The prices of essentials in the Dhaka city increased on average by 6.41 per cent during the last year, according to a report of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB).

During the same time, the cost of living Increased by 5.55

The CAB said the purchasing power of the farmers and the people dependent on agriculture went down drastically because of the price slump of farm products. At the same time, the prices of industrial products and Imported goods Jumped up.

Agricultural items like potatoes. soyabean oil. onion and dried chilly witnessed galloping rise in prices.

During the year, the prices of edible oil increased by 14 per cent, spices by 24 per cent. ■s>sgi!ta»1W.»|s*;aOper^erH, few by 16 per cent, and powdered milk by 12 per tent ,

The gas and water bill marked a 14.72 per cent rise during the period while prices of postal service shot up to Tk 4 from Tk 2? Per unit electricity charge was Tk 3.10 in Deceni ber. 1992. it was fixed at Tk 3.37 in December 1993. registering a 19.35 per cent increase. The Charge for 1.000 litre water was Tk 3.17 and rose to Tk 3.49 in 1993. the increase being 10.09 per cent.

The house rent increased by 12.16 per cent In 1993 as compared to the previous year.