Miniket hits Tk 100 per kg as rice prices surge again

Retailers claim rice prices have increased at the mill level, while mill owners argue that they are paying more to purchase paddy

Rice prices have increased again in Dhaka within two months, while most vegetables, except for a few winter varieties, remain expensive.

The spice market, however, has remained stable, with essentials like onions, green chillies, ginger, and garlic selling at previous rates.

On Friday, a visit to the capital’s Mohakhali and Sattola kitchen markets revealed that, within a week, the price of all varieties of rice had increased by Tk 2 to Tk 8 per kg.

Shoppers voiced their discontent over the higher prices while retailers claimed the increase originated at the mill level.

Alif Hossain, a seller at Chandpur Traders in Mohakhali kitchen market, told bdnews24.com: “All rice prices except for Atash and Paijam have increased by Tk 2 to Tk 8 per kg.

“The rates have gone up at the mill level, so we are forced to sell at higher prices.”

According to him, Rashid Miniket (a relatively thick-grained variety) was priced between Tk 76 and Tk 78 per kg last week, but this week it has risen to Tk 78–80.

Mozammel Miniket (a finer variety) was selling for Tk 92–95 per kg last week but has now hit Tk 100.

The price of the Indian Miniket, which ranged between Tk 78 and Tk 80 per kg last week, has also increased by about Tk 2 per kg.

Only Atash and Paijam varieties remain unchanged at Tk 60–62 per kg.

Nazirshail (thicker variety) was selling for Tk 68–70 per kg last week but is now unavailable for less than Tk 72.

Fine Nazirshail, which ranged from Tk 72 to Tk 75 per kg last week, is now selling for Tk 76–80.

Even coarse rice, often considered the “poor man’s staple”, has seen a price hike.

Last week, it was priced at Tk 52–53 per kg, but this week it is selling for Tk 55–56.

Neighbourhood grocery stores in Dhaka are charging Tk 2–4 more per kg than kitchen markets.

When asked about this price difference, Faruk Hossain, a vendor at Ripa Traders in Sattola kitchen market, told bdnews24.com: “Local grocery shops charge Tk 1–2 more per kg than wholesalers in Kawran Bazar or Mohakhali kitchen market.

“We don’t buy in bulk, and transport costs add up, which leads to slight price differences.”

Sunipun Biswas, an employee of a multinational company who was purchasing rice at Mohakhali market, told bdnews24.com: “Three days ago, I bought Mozammel Miniket for Tk 94 per kg.

“[on Friday], it’s Tk 100. Now I feel I should have bought a full sack earlier.”

MILL OWNERS POINT TO RISING PADDY COSTS

On Mar 8, a government-imported shipment of 6,000 tonnes of parboiled rice from India arrived at Chattogram Port.

On Mar 5, 26,250 metric tonnes of Atap rice arrived from Pakistan’s Qasim Port.

This is the first consignment of a 50,000 metric tonne rice deal signed under the government-to-government, or G2G, basis during the tenure of the interim government.

The second consignment of Pakistani rice is expected to arrive by Mar 10.

To stabilise the rice market, rice from Myanmar was also imported under the G2G agreement.

Despite these initiatives, rice prices have continued to rise.

When asked about the price increase, Senior Vice President of the Bangladesh Auto Major and Husk Milling Owners Association AM Layek Ali told bdnews24.com: “The price of paddy has increased in the local market. That is why the price of rice has gone up.

“There is also the impact of reduced private imports.”

He continued, “Many people blame mill owners without proper verification. The government is regularly monitoring the rice and paddy markets at the district and Upazila levels.

“Everything is being managed through modern processes, leaving no opportunity for mill owners to stockpile rice.”

The trade leader said, “Before Ramadan, when rice prices kept dropping and sales plummeted, no one reported on it. You only cover price hikes.

“If you check the rural markets, you’ll understand why prices have risen,” he concluded.