High prices of various items in international market including fuel oil have given rise to essential prices, a commerce ministry press release said.

Blocking loopholes in evading taxes and duties have also led to price hike, added the press release.

It said the country's exportable agricultural commodities have suffered by adverse environment. Drawing a comparative price picture, the ministry said in Kolkata wheat sells at Tk 28 a kg, soybean Tk 120 per litre, onion Tk 20 a kg and gram Tk 60 a kg.

According to the press release, steps have been taken to keep the prices of essentials under a tolerable level. A national taskforce has been formed with Finance and Commerce Adviser Mirza Azizul Islam as its chief, it said.

The press release also said that the government has taken several steps to keep the price under control during Ramadan.

The measures included imports of commodities by Trading Corporation of Bangladesh and involvement of paramilitary BDR in the marketing.

The government will soon announce the anti-hoarding law to check artificial crisis and promulgate ordinance for protecting the consumers' rights.

It said the government has put the recommendations of the Center for Policy Dialogue under active consideration and implementation.