Within a span of 10 days, the price of a 50-kg sack of coarse rice has increased by Tk 200-Tk 300 to Tk 2,600-Tk 2,900 in Dhaka and Chattogram. However, the price of fine quality rice remains unchanged in the market.
Traders claim that the surge in demand for coarse rice, primarily for flood relief efforts, has led to a shortage in supply from rice mills, driving up its wholesale prices.
Volunteers are purchasing rice in bulk to distribute it among flood victims, further increasing its demand, they said, adding that some dishonest traders are taking advantage of this situation, with coarse rice now being sold at Tk 58 per kilogram.
Prices of other varieties of coarse rice, including Guti, Swarna, and BR-28, have also increased, with rice mill owners citing a shortage of paddy as the reason for the hike.
Despite rising prices, the interim government has no plans to import rice now.
On Sunday, Food Secretary Ismail Hossain said, “The government has already surpassed its target for local food grain procurement, with a stockpile of 20 lakh tonnes, compared to expected 15 lakh tonnes. The supply of food grains across the country remains stable, and prices are expected to gradually decrease.”
The price of Atap rice has also risen sharply. The price of Irri Atap rice has gone up from Tk 1,900 to Tk 2,400, Beti rice from Tk 2,500 to Tk 2,800, and Kataribhog from Tk 3,200 to Tk 3,500.
However, traders have said that rice price is being increased only on the pretext of flood and relief, despite having adequate stocks and normal supply system.
On the other hand, the government will launch an Open Market Sale (OMS) and food aid programme from Monday. Under this programme, people in flood-affected areas will be able to purchase rice at Tk 30 per kg and flour at Tk 24 per kg. The programme will continue for next three months, with an estimated cost of Tk 90 crore.
