However, the speaker apparently saved the minister by not entertaining more than two supplementary questions on the issue despite huge demand from the opposition bench.

Awami League (AL) lawmakers Shahjahan Khan and Mirza Azam alleged the price of sugar has been hiked by a "syndicate of ruling alliance men."

They demanded punishment of the culprits through investigation.

In reply, the minister said, "We have come to know about the syndicate through newspapers. It will be investigated and necessary measures will be taken."

Hafiz said the price of sugar has shot up in Bangladesh as its price in the international market increased to $482 per tonne from $252 earlier.

"There is no sugar crisis in the market. Sugar is selling at Tk 39 at mill gates. Besides, the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) is selling sugar in different cities, including Dhaka, at a price of Tk 41 a kg, he informed the House.