When it comes to rise in price of goods and services it always hurt rural people more than the urban dwellers. A recent report of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) said the average inflation in rural areas rose to 6.20 percent in November. At the same time, the average inflation in the city stood at 5.59 percent.
The rise in transportation costs has affected the commodity market. As diesel and kerosene prices have risen, so have transportation costs. Fare is being taken higher than what has been increased. The demand in the market is increasing due to these factors, along with rise in inflation.
The government should ensure a
smooth supply of essential
commodities across the country
The state-owned agency revealed that prices of almost all types of daily commodities including rice, pulses, flour are higher in villages than in cities. The people of the village have to spend more money for transportation, medical treatment and furniture.
The government should now safeguard a smooth supply of the essential items to cool down the market as well as the pressure on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The overall inflation was never a concern for the people at the recovery stage of the economy.
Government should also intervene through TCB truck sale of some essentials which will relief woes of lower-income groups of rural areas to some extent.
Another reason for rising prices in rural areas is a lack of market monitoring. The alleged market manipulation by big traders, is also the cause of soaring inflation. Therefore, government should increase market monitoring so that inflation remains under control in rural areas.
