Rice prices are on the rise, what is the reason?

Rice prices have started rising again in the capital’s markets. This has put the lower and middle class in trouble. On Monday (June 30), a visit to several markets including Karwan Bazar showed that the price of miniket rice per sack has increased by at least Tk 300 in a week. While it used to be Tk 70-72 per kg, it is now Tk 78-80. Bri-28 rice, which used to cost Tk 54-55, is being sold at Tk 58-60. And Nazirshail has increased by Tk 5-6 per kg.

Traders do not know the logical reason for selling at a higher price. They say that some unscrupulous traders and mill owners are collecting paddy and hoarding rice artificially. This is affecting the retail market. A seller said that along with the increase in the price of fine rice, the price of coarse and medium-grain rice is also increasing. The price is likely to increase further. On the other hand, buyers say that their income is not increasing, but the price of daily necessities is increasing every day. This is making it difficult for ordinary people to run their families.

CAB, an organization working on consumer rights, says the government is not taking any action to stop the syndicate. The organization demands that the main culprits be brought to justice. Consumers have urged the government to strengthen market monitoring and take initiatives to control middlemen to keep the rice market stable and provide relief to consumers.