Soap, detergent prices up Tk 2-10

Soap and washing powder prices have increased by Tk 2-10 in a couple of weeks amid the soaring prices of essential items.

Visiting several chain stores and markets in the capital on Tuesday, The Business Post found prices of various soaps, including Lux, Lifebuoy, Meril, Dettol, Wheel, and Keya, had increased by Tk 2-5 per piece on average.

Besides, a 100g Lifebuoy soap was sold for Tk 38, which was Tk 36 before. A 100g Meril soap was sold at Tk 40, up from Tk 38, while a 75g Dettol soap was sold for Tk 44, which was Tk 42.

On the other hand, detergent Rin Power White was sold at Tk 135 per kg, up from Tk 130 a few days ago. Wheel Washing Powder was sold at Tk 100 per kg, compared to Tk 90 several weeks ago.

Md Rakib, a salesperson of Mahin Enterprise in Mirpur-1, said he did not know the reason for the price hike.

Talking to The Business Post, Dr AFM Manzur Kadir, a member of Bangladesh Competition Commission, said the commission has the authority to investigate allegations of price hike of essential products and other irregularities.

He said any person could file a complaint with the commission.

“If prices of similar products are increased at the same time, it indicates that a syndicate may be engineering this,” he added.

Manzur further said traders in an open market economy could hike prices by discussing with the authorities concerned, such as the commerce ministry.

On February 3, Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission announced new liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) rates. The price of a 12kg cylinder was set at Tk 1,240, an increase of Tk 62. The price of gas for motor vehicles was also raised by Tk 2.56.