Prices of Miniket and Nazirshail rice in the capital’s markets have increased by Tk 3 to Tk 4 per kilogram over the past week. Despite prices of pulses and rice have gone up, consumers are getting some relief becasue of ample supply of winter vegetables.
Visiting markets in Mohammadpur Krishi Market, Town Hall Market, and Shewrapara Market in the capital and discussion with traders, the information came up to the surface on Thursday.
Retailers said that rice made from Aus, Aman, and Nazirshail paddy has started arriving in the market, and supplies are expected to increase further within the next week. Usually, rice prices tend to fall at this time, but this year the opposite trend is being observed.
Prices of all varieties of Miniket rice have risen. On Thursday, Manjur and Sagar brand Miniket rice was selling at Tk 83–84 per kg, up from Tk 80 a week ago. Rashid Miniket rose from Tk 72 to Tk 75 per kg. Non-brand Miniket increased from around Tk 65 to Tk 70 per kg. The premium Mozammel Miniket rose to Tk 85–86 per kg.
Prices of Nazirshail rice have also increased. Locally produced Nazirshail rice was selling at Tk 72–85 per kg on Thursday, depending on quality, which is Tk 3–4 higher than a week earlier. Imported Nazirshail rice is now priced at Tk 75–78 per kg, up from Tk 72–75 last week.
Rice traders at Mohammadpur Krishi Market said that new Aus and Aman rice usually arrives in the market at this time of year, when prices of old rice typically rise by Tk 1–2 per kg. This time, however, prices of old rice have already increased by Tk 3–4 even before new rice has fully entered the market. They fear prices may rise further once the new rice arrives.
Consumers have expressed frustration over the rising rice prices. A buyer at Mohammadpur Town Hall Market, who is also a teacher at a government institution, said she now has to pay Tk 3–4 more per kg compared to last month. She expressed disappointment that prices are not falling even during the rice season.
Alongside rice, prices of small-grain lentils and mung dal have risen by Tk 15 per kg to Tk 160. However, prices of coarse lentils have dropped by Tk 10 to Tk 90 per kg. Due to higher demand for tea in the winter season, traders said various companies have increased prices by Tk 60–70 per kg. The price of loose sugar, which rose to Tk 100 per kg last week, remained unchanged on Thursday.
There is comparatively more relief in the vegetable market. With higher supplies of new-season Murikata onions, prices are at Tk 60–65 per kg. Imported onions are selling at Tk 65–70 per kg, while locally produced old onions cost Tk 80–90 per kg.
Thanks to a good supply of winter vegetables, most vegetables are selling between Tk 50 and Tk 60 per kg. Potatoes are priced at Tk 20–25 per kg, beans at Tk 40–60, radish at Tk 25–30, turnip at Tk 30–40, and eggplant at Tk 60–70. Tomatoes and green chilies are slightly more expensive at Tk 80–100 per kg. Cauliflower and cabbage are selling at Tk 25–30 per piece, while bottle gourd is priced at Tk 40–50 per piece.
