Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has expressed optimism that the hike in fuel oil prices will not have a major impact on the commodity market. He stated that the government is prioritizing the maintenance of a smooth supply chain and intensifying market monitoring to mitigate the effects of the price increase.

He made these remarks on Tuesday (September 22) afternoon while responding to journalists after a raincoat distribution ceremony for tea workers at the factory premises of the Lakkatura Tea Estate in Sylhet.

Khandaker Abdul Muktadir noted that fuel oil prices have risen in the international market. In many countries, local fuel prices adjust automatically in line with international market trends; however, in Bangladesh, since the government sets the prices, any increase becomes immediately apparent to the public.

He acknowledged that rising fuel prices raise concerns about increased transportation and supply costs. Disruptions or inconsistencies in the supply chain could potentially impact commodity prices, and the government is working to identify and address these issues.

The Commerce Minister emphasized that they are working to ensure an uninterrupted supply chain so that the fuel price hike does not affect the prices of other commodities or drive up inflation.

He also mentioned a recent meeting held at the Ministry of Commerce with leaders of importer and business associations, where they discussed challenges related to the import, transportation, and market supply of goods.

He stated that initiatives have been taken to resolve inconsistencies in the transport and supply chain networks, aiming to counter the potential impact of the fuel price hike.

**Gas supply normalized; production on the rise**

The Commerce Minister also announced that the recent crisis regarding gas supply has been resolved. He explained that while there had been temporary disruptions due to a mechanical fault at the FSRU (Floating Storage and Regasification Unit), that issue has now been rectified.

With the normalization of gas supplies, factories that process imported raw materials and goods have also resumed normal production, he added. Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir stated that various imported commodities, including sugar and soybean, are processed domestically. Factories producing these goods are currently operating at full capacity; consequently, there should be no major supply crisis in the market.

He further remarked that if the supply chain remains stable, the rise in fuel prices will not have a significant negative impact on the market. He expressed hope that commodity prices would remain stable and that no major inflationary shock would be observed in the market.

Noting that the impact of rising fuel prices could spread across various sectors, the Commerce Minister stated that, alongside ensuring an adequate supply of goods, measures would be taken to prevent unscrupulous traders from exploiting the situation.

He added that the government is taking necessary steps—in consultation with relevant ministries and business leaders—to alleviate the additional burden on the general public.

At the event, raincoats were distributed among 1,980 tea garden workers from various estates in Sylhet.

Highlighting the government's initiatives to boost tea garden revenues, the Commerce Minister mentioned that a meeting regarding making the estates profitable was held just a few days ago under the Prime Minister's directive.

He stated that discussions are underway regarding the feasibility of planting timber and spice-bearing trees—or other varieties—on garden lands without harming the tea plants. He also mentioned plans to install solar power systems in gardens where such facilities are feasible.

The Commerce Minister emphasized that the primary objective of these initiatives is to increase the gardens' income. Increased revenue would create opportunities to raise the wages of tea workers.

He also mentioned initiatives to improve the living standards of tea workers, including the provision of ambulances, the establishment of schools in gardens that lack them, and the renovation of garden roads.

He stated that systematic efforts are being made to improve the quality of life for tea workers across various areas, including healthcare, education, and wages.