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The CPD called for stronger monitoring and regulatory oversight of intermediaries, particularly those who trade in bulk, to curb collusive practices and artificial price manipulation in essential commodity markets.

It also recommended reducing excessive layers of intermediaries in supply chains to narrow the gap between farm-gate and retail prices.

The think-tank also urged the government to maintain strategic reserves of essential food items and release them during supply shocks to stabilise prices. It also recommended strengthening social protection schemes for low-income households in light of recent hikes in cooking gas and transportation costs.

PRI’s Ashikur, meanwhile, noted that with inflation approaching 10 percent, attempting to stimulate growth through expansionary policies was highly risky.

He recommended attracting investment through productivity-enhancing reforms instead, including privatisation of state-owned enterprises, easing of investment and business regulations, and prioritised spending in the energy and logistics sectors.