, Sept. 22 -- Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said Tuesday the recent increase in fuel prices is unlikely to have a significant impact on the prices of essential commodities.

He made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists after distributing raincoats among tea workers at the factory ground of Lakkatura Tea Garden in Sylhet.

The minister said strict monitoring would be carried out to prevent unscrupulous traders from taking advantage of the situation.

Muktadir said the opposition is an elected opposition party and should behave responsibly instead of making sensational statements.

Earlier, raincoats were distributed among 1,980 tea workers from different tea gardens.

Addressing the tea workers, the minis...