Supply crisis in Feni: Candle, gas cylinder prices skyrocket amid flooding

Severe flooding in Feni district has led to a crippling supply crisis, causing the prices of essential items to soar.

Over the past week, widespread flooding has submerged vast areas, leading to a complete power outage and leaving most shops underwater, damaging their goods.

Severe traffic jams on flooded highways and rural roads have further disrupted the supply chain, causing a shortage of food and essential items.

There are also allegations that traders have exploited the situation by significantly raising prices of essential goods.

On Sunday, candles, which typically cost Tk5 each, were priced between Tk25-Tk50 in the Dak Bungalow area of Sonagazi upazila. Similarly, the price of a 12.5kg gas cylinder has surged from Tk1,400 to Tk3,000-Tk5,000. In some areas, these items are completely out of stock.

Residents are struggling to cope with the crisis. With no electricity or dry firewood available, the demand for candles and LP gas cylinders has surged, leaving many unable to cook and relying on dry food for survival.

Nights have become even more challenging as the flood-affected residents are left in complete darkness.

Essential goods such as rice, lentils, onions, oil, eggs, and salt are short in supply. Most kitchen markets remain closed due to the lack of vegetables and other food items. Even those with money are finding it difficult to buy food, leaving over seven lakh residents in 90% of the district in a dire situation.

For many, relief items like flattened rice and biscuits are the only source of sustenance, though some are not even receiving that.

Shahabuddin, a shopkeeper from the Lokur Bazar area in Sonagazi upazila, said, "Most of the goods in the market have been damaged by floodwater. What remained was sold out within the first two days. There is no way to bring in new supplies from wholesale shops in Feni town."

He added, "With the increased demand for candles due to the power outage, I waded through waist-deep water for 20km to buy just five packs of candles at three to four times the usual price. Including travel costs, each candle cost me Tk20. I'm selling them for Tk25."

However, some residents are frustrated by the price hikes. Imam Hossain, a young man from the same area, complained, "Shopkeepers are forming a syndicate and selling each candle for Tk50. Those who have gas cylinders are demanding Tk3,000-Tk5,000 per cylinder."

The supply chain in the entire Feni district has collapsed, with goods unable to be brought in from Chattogram due to traffic jams on the flooded highways.

Mohammad Shah Alam, owner of Lalpol Super Shop in Lalpol, Feni, said, "Most of the goods have been damaged by floodwater, causing many shop owners to lose their capital. It may take a long time for the supply chain to stabilise, even after the floodwaters recede."

After being closed for three days, the Dhaka-Chattogram highway reopened on Saturday morning, but traffic is moving very slowly. With flood water still flowing on the Chattogram-bound lane, vehicles of both directions are using the Dhaka-bound lane, further intensifying the traffic jam as more vehicles start moving between Dhaka and Chattogram.