Rice prices have been unstable for quite some time. Over the past year, prices have risen by more than 15%. In just one month, the price has increased by Tk 3 to Tk 8 per kilogram, depending on the variety.
Although prices dipped slightly during the Boro harvest season, they have started climbing again soon after, even though this period is typically expected to bring price stability. Contrary to expectations, the market is moving in the opposite direction.
In Dhaka and other major cities, rice prices have increased by Tk 3 to Tk 8 per kg depending on the quality.
Wholesale traders say such instability during the peak season of new rice is unprecedented. They claim that rice millers have reduced supply.
Food adviser Ali Imam Majumder has said that the market is under surveillance and prices are expected to fall once the OMS (Open Market Sale) and Food-Friendly Program begin.
At Mohammadpur Krishi Market in Dhaka, sacks of newly harvested rice are stacked up in wholesale shops. Yet, unlike previous years, the Boro harvest hasn't positively impacted prices. On the contrary, the price of fine rice like Nazirshail and Miniket has increased by Tk 7 per kg in just a month.
During the same period, the price of coarse varieties like Atash and Gutiswarna has gone up by Tk 3 to Tk 4 per kg. Popular branded rice has seen the sharpest hikes.
One wholesaler said, “During Eid-ul-Azha and this month, the price of fine rice went up by Tk 8–9 per kg. Other varieties increased by Tk 4–5.” Another added, “Normally, prices rise slightly—by a taka or so—but this time it shot up suddenly.”
Market observations show that over the year, the price of fine rice has increased by Tk 10 to Tk 14 per kg, and coarse rice by up to Tk 7. These sustained high prices have put low-income consumers under significant pressure.
A buyer said, “The price of rice has suddenly gone up. What I used to buy at a lower rate now costs much more.”
However, the food adviser disagrees that prices have risen excessively. He believes the government’s rice procurement during the Boro season has had a slight upward effect.
“Rice prices have increased only slightly,” said Ali Imam Majumder. “Prices of commodities rise every year. We’re monitoring closely to keep it in check. From next month, we’ll launch the OMS and the Safe Food-Friendly Program.”
According to the Food Ministry, as of early July, government warehouses held 1.541 million tonnes of rice—an increase of 481,000 tonnes compared to the same period last year.