Dhaka, Feb. 28 -- Although kitchen markets in Chattogram have been fairly stable, a noticeable shortage of soyabean oil has fuelled concerns ahead of the fast-approaching month of Ramadan.

The common cooking oil is scarcely available in kitchen markets and grocery shops across the port city.

Traders said the soyabean oil crisis has been ongoing for about a month and has only intensified in recent days. Companies have also stopped supplying soyabean oil.

On Friday, soyabean oil was conspicuous in its absence at several shops at Reazuddin Bazar, one of the largest marketplaces in Chattogram.

Kamal Hossain, owner of Tamim General Store in Reazuddin Bazar, said soyabean oil supplies had completely dried up over the last month.

Holding up...