Prices of two everyday essentials, eggs and cooking oil, are rising across the country. According to the latest Quarterly Retail Price Analysis Report by the Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority, CCAA, prices have increased by more than 11 per cent since December last year. The report attributes the rise to supply shortages, higher production and transport costs, and increasing import expenses.
Cooking oil has seen a sharp increase across the country.
The 3.75 Litre Shudh Refined Oil increased by 15.65 per cent whereas the 3.75 Litre Bengal Gold increased by 13.03 per cent, the 5 liter Natural Gold by 12.26 per cent, and Saffola Gold (5L) by 2.28 per cent.
In Thimphu, the 5 litre Saffola oil, which cost around Nu 1020 in December, is now priced at about Nu 1090.
The report points to higher global prices and increased transportation costs as key reasons behind the rise. Since Bhutan relies heavily on imported edible oil, changes in international markets directly affect local prices.
Egg prices are also climbing steadily. In Thimphu, a tray now costs as high as 580 ngultrum.
The report shows that the average price of a tray increased from Nu 478 in December last year to Nu 534 in March this year. This is an increase of more than 11 per cent, and prices are still rising.
Karma Wangdi, a shopkeeper in Thimphu said, “Our suppliers in Tsirang say egg production has dropped due to the high cost of poultry feed. Many farmers can no longer afford feed and are forced to sell their birds, leading to reduced supply. Even when they try to source eggs from other farmers, they face the same challenges, resulting in overall low production and higher prices.”
Meanwhile, starting today, the Food Corporation of Bhutan will supply imported white eggs across the country in phases. The Maximum Retail Price including GST will be maintained at Nu 330 per tray.
The report further stated that other essential goods, including rice, flour, and packaged food items, have remained relatively stable. Only small fluctuations have been recorded in the past three months.
Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority, CCAA has based Retail Price Analysis Report on market data collected from all 20 districts. It tracks 45 essential commodities across 10 major categories, including cereals, pulses, dairy products, edible oils, beverages, and meat products.
The report notes that price differences are mainly driven by transport costs, supply chain constraints, and market access challenges, rather than the Goods and Services Tax.
Although prices saw a slight increase in February following the introduction of GST in January, they stabilised or even declined in March.
Prices of essential goods are expected to remain under close watch as authorities continue monitoring market trends across the country.
Tashi Dekar
