The retail prices of essential commodities are about 24.44 per cent more than the whole-; sale prices.

The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) estimated the difference after a’ recent survey conducted on some wholesale and retail markets.

.The difference Is alarming in the. prices of vegetables, spices, eggs, edible oil and rice.

According to the survey, the retail prices of vegetables are 61.94 per cent higher than the wholesale prices while It is 41.37 per cent higher In case of spices. 30.88 per cent in case of edible oil. 25.22 per cent in case of eggs. 19.01 per cent in case of rice, 18.40 per cent in case of flour. 12.55 per cent in case of pulses. 6.95 per cent in case of soaps and 2.79 per cent in case of powdered milk.

The CAB has urged the government to bring down the differences between the wholesale and retail prices to protect the Interest of the consumers.