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The state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will begin selling essential commodities at subsidised prices from tomorrow in nine metropolitan areas, ahead of Ramadan.

The products will be distributed through 450 TCB trucks, including in Dhaka and Chattogram, and the programme will continue until March 12. Sales will operate weekly, except on Fridays and public holidays.

Under the initiative, edible oil will be sold at Tk 115 per litre, sugar at Tk 80 per kg, lentils at Tk 70 per kg, chickpeas at Tk 60 per kg, and dates at Tk 160 per kg.

Each buyer will be allowed to purchase up to two litres of edible oil, one kilogram of sugar, two kilograms of lentils, one kilogram of chickpeas and half a kilogram of dates per visit.

Alongside truck sales, TCB is already distributing essential items to around 6.4 million smart card holder families nationwide in preparation for the fasting month.

Officials believe the open-market truck sales will help stabilise prices and ease pressure on consumers during Ramadan.