The ministry suggested coordinated measures of all ministries concerned instead of taking isolated measures to keep the commodity market stable.

The isolated measures taken by the government time to time failed to reduce sufferings of the consumers, the commerce ministry admitted in its working paper presented at a meeting of the national taskforce on prices of essentials yesterday.

Commerce Minister Altaf Hossain Choudhury presided over the meeting held at his ministry. High officials of different ministries concerned were present.

As several ministries are involved in managing production, demand, supply and import of essential items, the commerce ministry paper said all ministries concerned should shoulder responsibility of containing the price hike of essentials.

Citing an example, the paper said the 100 percent duty on sugar import is encouraging smuggling from India where sugar is cheaper. The finance ministry and the National Board of Revenue (NBR) are responsible for this, it added.

Referring to the role the food ministry can play, the commerce ministry report said the food ministry can extend its function to assessment of the demand of different food items and suggesting how this demand can be met.

Turning to the demand, supply and price of milk, the paper suggested that the fisheries and livestock ministry can give incentives to the farmers for increasing milk production that would help keep the milk price stable.

The shipping ministry should take step so that trucks loaded with essential items can be ferried without hassles. Besides, the ministry should ensure that the cargo owners cannot increase fares without genuine reason, it recommended.