Rising rice transportation costs, attributed to higher fuel prices, and price increases at the mill level have driven up the prices of all varieties of rice in the capital’s retail markets.
Over the past one to one and a half weeks, the price of fine rice has increased by Tk 2 to Tk 3 per kilogram, while medium-quality rice has risen by Tk 1 to Tk 2 per kilogram.
Alongside rice, the prices of locally produced onions, garlic and loose soybean oil have also increased. Meanwhile, broiler chicken and eggs continue to sell at their previously high prices.
These trends were observed on Thursday during visits to Mohammadpur Krishi Market, Town Hall Market and Agargaon Taltala Market in the capital.
According to market data, the retail prices of Miniket rice have increased by Tk 2 to Tk 3 per kilogram, depending on the brand. Diamond, Manzur and Sagar brands of Miniket rice are currently selling for Tk 74 to Tk 75 per kilogram, compared with Tk 72 just a week ago.
Rashid’s Miniket is selling for Tk 65 per kilogram, while the price of Mozammel Miniket has risen to Tk 76 per kilogram. In addition, fine-grain Nazirshail rice is selling for Tk 70 to Tk 95 per kilogram, depending on quality, representing an increase of Tk 2 to Tk 3 per kilogram.
According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), the prices of medium-quality Pajam, BRRI-28 and BRRI-29 rice have increased by Tk 3 per kilogram, reaching Tk 58 to Tk 65. However, the prices of coarse rice remain unchanged at Tk 50 to Tk 55 per kilogram.
Traders said that higher fuel prices have increased truck rental costs by Tk 2,000 to Tk 3,000 per trip. Since paddy must be transported several times between collection points and wholesale markets, the increased transportation costs have affected wholesale prices. In addition, as paddy prices have risen at various wholesale trading centres, including those in Naogaon, mill owners have increased the price of Katari rice by Tk 50 per 50-kilogram sack.
However, retail traders allege that, due to a lack of market oversight, wholesalers are raising rice prices by more than the proportionate increase in transportation costs.
Alongside rice, the price of locally produced onions has increased by Tk 5 per kilogram over the past week, reaching Tk 55 to Tk 60. Garlic prices have risen by Tk 20 to Tk 30 per kilogram. Meanwhile, citing a shortage of bottled soybean oil, traders have increased the price of loose soybean oil by Tk 5 per litre over the past two weeks.
There is also no relief in the market for protein-rich foods. Broiler chicken is selling at Tk 200 per kilogram, while farm eggs are priced at Tk 150 to Tk 155 per dozen, with both remaining at elevated levels.
As the prices of essential commodities continue to rise, low- and middle-income consumers visiting the markets are struggling to make ends meet.
