The state-run TCB has sought to raise the prices of subsidised soybean oil, sugar, and lentil as the truck sale of the key commodities will begin on August 10.

Around 500 poor people would be able to buy the essentials from each of 128 trucks of Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) every day except Friday.

Each consumer can buy maximum 2 litres of soybean oil at Tk 115 per litre; 2 kg of lentil at Tk 70 per kg; and 1 kg of sugar at Tk 80, as the prices were increased by Tk 15 per litre, Tk 10 per kg, and Tk 10 per kg, respectively, according to a TCB proposal.

Sixty trucks will operate at Dhaka metropolis until September 13 and 25 will distribute the essentials in Chattogram metropolis. In other metropolitan cities the sale through trucks will continue till August 31.

TCB claimed, "We have proposed increase in the prices of three items to prevent illegal hoarding and sale outside."

The proposal has been sent to the commerce ministry for necessary approval.