Rice prices continue to rise amid peak Aman season

Rice prices have remained high for several years and have increased further in recent months. According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), the price of one kg of coarse rice is now 54 to 58 taka, whereas a year ago it was 48 to 50 taka.

Similarly, the price of medium rice is 60 to 65 taka per kg, which was 50 to 55 taka last year. The price of fine rice is currently 70 to 84 taka per kilogram, while a year ago it was 60 to 75 taka.

If we look at the beginning of 2020, the price of coarse rice was only 30 to 35 taka per kg (TCB data). The previous Awami League government struggled to control rice prices and further burdened production costs by increasing prices of fertiliser, fuel oil and electricity in stages.

Mohammad Shamsul Haq, an employee of a private firm in Mirpur, Dhaka, told Prothom Alo that prices of most daily essential commodities, except vegetables, remain high. He expressed concern as to why rice prices were increasing even during the peak season of aman.

Low-income families generally buy coarse and medium quality rice, while fine rice is preferred by the middle class. For low-income group families, the cost of purchasing rice is now more than Tk 60 per kilogram. A visit to Dhaka’s Caravan Bazaar, Mohammadpur Agricultural Market and Shewrapara Market revealed that the commonly consumed BR-28 and BR-29 rice varieties were being sold at Tk 62 to 65 per kg.

Among the coarse rice varieties, Guti and Swarna are the most popular, with prices ranging around Tk 55 per kg. It is difficult to find cheap rice in major markets, although in some areas where poor communities often live, rice is available for as low as 50 taka per kilogram. This rice typically comes from government ration and social safety net programs but often reaches the market through informal channels.

Middle-income buyers prefer minicut rice, which is difficult to find at less than Tk 70 per kg. High-quality miniket is sold for 75 taka or more, while Nazirshail rice, considered premium, costs 80 to 90 taka per kilogram.

Despite Nazirshail rice being in season, its price remains high. Asked about this and the overall price stability during the aman season, Farhad Chakdar, general secretary of the Nagaon Rice Mill Owners Association, told Prothom Alo that the cost of rice production has increased significantly. Adequate rice imports from abroad could help bring down prices, he said.

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