Rice prices in Dhaka have risen again within two months, while most vegetables—except for a few winter varieties—continue to be expensive. However, the spice market has remained stable, with essentials such as onions, green chilies, ginger, and garlic being sold at previous rates.
A visit to Mohakhali and Sattola kitchen markets on Friday revealed that all rice varieties had increased in price by Tk 2 to Tk 8 per kg within a week. Shoppers expressed frustration over the hike, while retailers pointed to mill-level price increases as the cause.
Alif Hossain, a seller at Chandpur Traders in Mohakhali kitchen market, stated to bdnews24.com, “All rice prices, except for Atash and Paijam, have increased by Tk 2 to Tk 8 per kg. The rates have gone up at the mill level, so we are forced to sell at higher prices.”
According to him, Rashid Miniket, a relatively thicker-grained variety, was priced at Tk 76–78 per kg last week but has now risen to Tk 78–80. Mozammel Miniket, a finer variety, increased from Tk 92–95 per kg last week to Tk 100 this week. Meanwhile, the Indian Miniket, which ranged between Tk 78–80 per kg, has risen by Tk 2 per kg.
Atash and Paijam varieties are the only ones maintaining their previous rates at Tk 60–62 per kg. Nazirshail (thicker variety), previously Tk 68–70 per kg, is now priced at Tk 72. The finer variety of Nazirshail, which ranged from Tk 72–75 per kg last week, is now selling for Tk 76–80.
Even coarse rice, often referred to as the “poor man’s staple,” has seen a rise in price. Previously available for Tk 52–53 per kg, it now costs Tk 55–56 per kg.
Additionally, neighbourhood grocery stores in Dhaka are charging Tk 2–4 more per kg than kitchen markets. When questioned about this price gap, Faruk Hossain, a vendor at Ripa Traders in Sattola kitchen market, told bdnews24.com, “Local grocery shops charge Tk 1–2 more per kg than wholesalers in Kawran Bazar or Mohakhali kitchen market. Since we don’t buy in bulk, transportation costs add up, causing slight price differences.”
Shoppers are feeling the pressure of these increases. Sunipun Biswas, an employee of a multinational company who was buying rice at Mohakhali market, shared with bdnews24.com, “Three days ago, I bought Mozammel Miniket for Tk 94 per kg. Today, it’s Tk 100. I should have bought a full sack earlier.”
Mill Owners Cite Rising Paddy Costs
On March 8, a government-imported shipment of 6,000 tonnes of parboiled rice from India arrived at Chattogram Port. Earlier, on March 5, 26,250 metric tonnes of Atap rice were imported from Pakistan’s Qasim Port, as part of a 50,000-metric-tonne agreement under the government-to-government (G2G) initiative. A second shipment from Pakistan is expected by March 10.
Additionally, rice was imported from Myanmar under the G2G agreement in an effort to stabilize the market. However, despite these measures, rice prices have continued to climb.
When asked about the price hike, AM Layek Ali, Senior Vice President of the Bangladesh Auto Major and Husk Milling Owners Association, explained to bdnews24.com, “The price of paddy has increased in the local market, which is why rice prices have gone up. Reduced private imports have also contributed to this situation.”
He further stated, “Many blame mill owners without proper verification. The government is actively monitoring the rice and paddy markets at district and Upazila levels. Everything is being managed through modern processes, so there’s no opportunity for mill owners to stockpile rice.”
Defending the millers, he added, “Before Ramadan, when rice prices dropped and sales slowed, no one reported it. But as soon as prices rise, it becomes news. If you check rural markets, you’ll understand the real reasons behind these price increases.”
