The soaring rice prices in the wholesale markets remain the same despite slight price drop in the retail markets.
Due to the government agencies continuous drive, price has dropped slightly in the retail market.
In the wholesale market, the price of rice has decreased from Tk 200 to Tk 300 per sack.
Food ministry and consumer rights officials are plowing the market to keep prices under control. But that effect is not in the retail market.
Visiting different kitchen markets in the capital on Friday, this reporter found such price differences.
According to the vendors, the price of all types of rice has decreased by Tk one to Tk three per kilogram (kg). But buyers claim that the rice price that went up after the 12th national parliament election is not decreasing.
Nazirshail rice is being sold in the market at the rate of Tk 60 per kg. Atas rice is being sold at The 55 per, Pajam among coarse rice is being sold at Tk 54 to Tk 55 per kg. Miniket rice is being sold at Tk 72 to Tk 75.
A rice trader in Rampura kitchen market told this correspondent, "The price is decreasing slightly. At least Tk 2 is decreasing per kg. But will it come down further, we cannot say."
The traders of Karwan Bazar share the same opinion. They are informing that rice price reduction depends on the retail market. If they can purchase at a lower price, they will be able to sell the rice at a decreased rate.
However, buyers are aware about the price reduction in the wholesale market. If Tk 200 per sack is reduced, the retail market is expected to decrease Tk 1 to Tk 2 per kg. But buyers complain that it is not being observed in reality.
Hasnat, a rice buyer at Rampura market said, "I read the news that wholesale prices are falling. But retail does not decrease. Shopkeepers said, their previously purchased rice price was high."
This buyer complains that after hearing the news of price increase, these sellers sell the products bought earlier at a higher price.
The same complaint was of another buyer named Oli Ahmed. He said, “Where did the price go down? 15 days ago, I brought rice at Tk 72 per kg. However, after 15 days I am finding the price has reduced by Tk 1 only. If such a situation continues, low earning people like us will not be able to survive in this city in the longer run”.
