• Prices increased in just 10 days
• Miniket rice being sold at Tk60

The undated image shows a rice store at the Khaja Nagar market in Kushtia. Photo: Dhaka Tribune

The prices of all types of rice have increased again in Khaja Nagar of Kushtia, the second-largest market in Bangladesh.

In the last 10 days, the price of almost all types of rice has increased by Tk4 per kg.

Retailers have said they have to buy the rice at higher prices and pay extra money for transportation.

According to market sources, the price of fine rice and other rice increased by Tk3 per kg in September and October last year for various reasons. In just two months, the price of all types of rice has increased up to Tk4 per kg in the retail market. 

Rice prices in Kushtia have increased three times since the end of the current Aman season.

After visiting various markets in Kushtia, this correspondent found that Miniket rice is now being sold at Tk60, which was Tk56 some days ago. 

Kajal Lata rice, which was being sold at Tk48 a few days ago, is now being sold at Tk52 per kg. 

On the other hand, the price of coarse rice has increased to Tk50 per kg, while Swarna rice has increased to Tk48 per kg. 

Several buyers at the market claimed traders and mill owners were once again hoarding rice to increase the price.

Atiar Rahman, a rice seller at Mirpur Bazar in Kushtia, explained that rice prices have increased because of the price increase for paddy. 

Joynal Abedin Prodhan, general secretary of Bangladesh Auto Major and Husking Mill Owners’ Association (Kushtia branch), said the price of rice has been increasing since December. 

“The price of each maund of paddy has increased by Tk180-200. The paddy that I bought at Tk1,420 per maund is being bought at Tk1,680 now. When the government announced the procurement of rice in the Aman season, the new paddy was bought at Tk980 to Tk1,000 per maund. That paddy is now Tk 1,080.” he said.

On the other hand, market regulators say they are investigating whether anyone is increasing the price by making extra profit. 

Sujat Hossain Khan, senior agricultural marketing officer, in-charge of Kushtia Municipal Market, said: “We are comparing the sale price with the cost of purchasing and threshing paddy of the mills. If anyone makes extra profit, strict action will be taken against them.”

Published Date: January 16, 2024