Chattogram: After three months of price volatility, rice prices in major wholesale markets in Chattogram have started declining by Taka 5-Taka 8 per kilogram.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during a visit to prime wholesale markets in the port city including Ckatai Chapatti, Khatunganj, and Pahartali, it was found that prices of both coarse and fine varieties of rice have dropped by Taka 5 to Taka 8 per kg. This decline is attributed to the government's measures, such as massive imports from Myanmar, Pakistan, Vietnam, and India, the continuation of Open Market Sale (OMS) by the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), and actions against unscrupulous syndicates of rice hoarders and millers.
Traders report that the recent approval of rice imports from India through land ports has resulted in an oversupply, leading to a decrease in prices. Four different types of rice have seen price drops of Tk 5 to Tk 8 per kg. Official sources indicate that rice stock reached approximately 19.81 lakh tonnes in the first quarter of August, surpassing previous records, with total food grain stocks around 21.54 lakh tonnes, more than adequate for buffer stock.
Market sources noted that damage to the Amon crop, unusual hoarding, sluggish imports, and flood-related supply chain disruptions led to significant price increases earlier in 2025, which persisted until July. Traders now expect rice prices to remain stable due to the market's recent stabilization. Although prices had been rising since mid-June, there was a rampant price spiral in the Chattogram wholesale market by late July.
During the recent period, rice prices fluctuated, with some varieties increasing by Tk 2 to 8 per kg before eventually dropping by Tk 5 to Tk 8 per kg. Currently, Jirashail is being sold at Tk 71 per kg, Guti Swarna at Tk 54 per kg, and Katari Atap at Tk 77 per kg in the wholesale market. Betti Atap has decreased to Tk 52 per kg, registering a drop of Tk 4 per kg. Nazirshail Miniket is selling at Tk 57 per kg, Mota (Coarse) boiled rice at Tk 49 per kg, and Nurjahan Swarna at Tk 56 per kg at the wholesale level.
SM Nizam Uddin, former general secretary of Pahartali Banik Samiti, indirectly blamed North Bengal-based millers for manipulating rice prices. However, prices have started to fall following a rise in supply in both wholesale and retail markets. Resuming rice imports from India in mid-August, which had been halted in mid-April, has significantly impacted rice prices positively.
Large and medium-level wholesalers in Khatungonj, Kazir Dewri, and Momin Road areas have lowered the price of 50 kg sacks of coarse, medium, and fine quality rice by Tk 200 to Tk 300. Miniket rice prices have dropped by Tk 5 to Tk 8 per kg, now ranging from Tk 75 to Tk 80. Atash Balam is selling at Tk 65 to Tk 68, Swarna Mota (Coarse) at Tk 50 to Tk 56, Nazirshail at Tk 80 to Tk 85, Basmati at Tk 95 to Tk 100, and Cini Gura category fine rice is being sold at over Tk 100 per kg.
Despite the price fall in wholesale markets, retail markets have not yet experienced a significant impact, with all varieties of rice being sold at high prices as of June-July. In the retail market, Miniket is being sold at Tk 78 to Tk 85, Atash Balam at Tk 70 to Tk 75, Nazirshail at Tk 85 to Tk 90, Swarna Mota (Coarse) at Tk 55 to Tk 60, Paijam at Tk 62 to Tk 65, Asmati at Tk 95 to Tk 120, and per kg packets of Cini Gura are being sold at Tk 130 to Tk 150.
The Deputy Director of the Chattogram Department of Consumer Rights Protection, Mohammad Faiz Ullah, stated that authorities are monitoring the market and will take legal action against unreasonable prices at the retail level. Wholesaler Nur Hossain Sawdagor pointed out that the delay in rice imports in mid-April was a primary reason for the price spiral, but as soon as imported food grains started reaching the market, prices were expected to drop at both wholesale and retail levels.
SM Nazer Hossain, Vice President of the Central Committee of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), expressed concern over the instability and recent price hikes in the rice market. He emphasized the need for timely measures to keep the market price of this staple food under control and called for stronger market supervision to prevent further price increases.