DHAKA: Commerce Minister Faruk Khan Wednesday urged the businessmen to work together to keep prices of essentials stable, as he said there are enough commodities in stock and necessary imports in the pipeline.

"Prices of essentials remained stable in the last 18 months, excepting sugar. Sugar price hiked as its price increased on the international market," he said when the newly elected representatives of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) met him.

"We have adequate stock of commodities. More goods will be imported within a month--and there will be no problem of shortages during the upcoming Ramadan,” Khan said.

"Ramadan will be a test for the newly elected FBCCI leaders as well as for me,” said the commerce minister, as the month of fasting and festivals sees a shopping binge and consequent price rises.

The FBCCI leaders urged the minister to resolve the power and energy crisis immediately.

BDST: 1800 HRS, JULY 07, 2010