Bangladesh, Oct. 3 -- Prices of soybean oil and sugar increased amid supply shortages, with the commodities being sold above their government-fixed maximum retail prices (MRPs) in retail markets.

A market visit on Friday found that packaged sugar was selling at Tk 120 per kg at most shops, although its retail price is Tk 110. Similarly, one litre of bottled soybean oil was being sold at Tk 210 against the MRP of Tk 204.

In some shops, packaged sugar and bottled soybean oil were unavailable.

Loose sugar and soybean oil were also being sold at prices applicable to packaged products.

A grocery shopkeeper at Shekhertek in the capital, Ahsan Ali, said the price mentioned on a one-kg packet of sugar was Tk 110, but retailers had to buy it ...