Dhaka, Oct. 28 -- Ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, bottled soybean oil traders have proposed increasing prices by Tk 14 per liter, citing rising edible oil prices and escalating freight costs in the international market.

Simultaneously, date importers have demanded a reduction in existing import duties and taxes to keep the essential item affordable during the fasting month.

The proposals were placed during a high-level meeting on Monday chaired by Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir to review Ramadan-centric commodity imports, supply chain issues, and market trends.

However, the Ministry of Commerce has not yet taken any decision regarding the increase in soybean oil prices.

Regarding the duty waiver on dates, the ministry ...