City dwellers allege the frequent power outages give the traders an opportunity to hike the price of candles illogically.

All areas in the city are now facing blackouts in five to six spells, each spanning one to two hours, as the authorities cannot supply electricity to meet the increased demand in this summer.

Marufa Begum, a government official, said the price of candle has increased in the market in the recent months.

"The price is too high," said Marufa at Hatirpool market as the shopkeeper charged Tk 60 for a dozen candles. "I bought the same last year for Tk 30," she added.

Kamrul Alam, a resident of Rampura, said power failure has become a regular phenomenon after sunset. As the prices of candles have increased, he has taken initiative to produce candles at home for domestic use.

"I know the load-shedding will prolong for months. So I have bought wax and other raw materials from Chawkbazar to make candles," said Kamrul.

"Wholesalers, retailers and producers are making extra profit from candles as its demand has increased remarkably," he added. "This is happening because the government has no control over the market."

Market sources said the prices have increased by more than 50 percent in retail market. "There is a supply shortage. The producers are failing to meet the growing demand," said Hasib Hossain, a retailer at Islambagh.

A dozen large candles are now selling at Tk 38 to 45. The price was Tk 25 only six months ago. "The retail prices rose to Tk 60 due to increased demand amid load-shedding," said Mozaffar Ali, a grocer at New Market.

The wholesale price of medium size candles is now Tk 28 to 30 per dozen which was Tk 18 last year. The retail price is almost Tk 40.

The wholesale price of small size candles is Tk 15 to 20 while the price was Tk 12 last year. The retail price is Tk 20 to 25.

"The prices of all essentials are on the rise. Our costs too have increased and to make some profit, we had to revise the prices," said Abdul Awal, a grocer at Rampura.

"The price of wax has increased over the last three years, but we did not hike our rates. If we have to sustain in the business, price hike is a must," said Md Alam, proprietor of Orphi Special at Siddhirganj in Narayanganj.

Alam said that six months ago they used to buy one kg wax for Tk 60 but now the price is Tk120. "Due to price hike of raw materials, we have been compelled to increase the price of candles," he explained.

"The sellers are not capitalising the load-shedding rather higher demand against limited supply has led to the price hike," Alam added. He, however, said a portion of traders might make higher profit.

City dwellers also allege that some dishonest people are producing candles by mixing chalk powder with wax, which is causing dark fume.