To keep prices stable in the domestic market, rice imports from India have increased. Every day, 30-35 trucks of rice are imported through the Hili Land Port in Dinajpur.
However, on Saturday, December 28, a record 4,593 tonnes of rice were imported in 110 trucks. Despite the increase in imports, the price of rice has gone up by Tk 1-2 per kilogram in the Hili market.
According to sources at the Hili Land Port, on Saturday, 4,593 tonnes of rice were brought in 110 trucks from India. Before this, 63 tonnes were imported on Thursday, 187 tonnes on Tuesday, 1,422 tonnes on Monday, and 3,749 tonnes on Sunday.
On enquiring about the market, it was found that coarse varieties of Indian Swarna rice, previously selling for Tk 50-51 per kilogram, are now priced at Tk 52-53. Additionally, the fine variety of Shampa rice is now being sold for Tk 68 per kilogram. As a result, the price has increased by Tk 1-2 per kilogram.
Despite the increase in imports, rice prices have not been reduced. Rice importer Mostafizur Rahman Mostak stated that the price of rice in India has increased by $15-20 US per ton. At the same time, the price of the dollar has also risen in the country, from Tk 120 to Tk 124-126 for one dollar. As a result of the increased import cost of rice, domestic prices have also been affected.
Another rice importer, Dinesh Poddar, explained that before the imports, rice prices were skyrocketing in Bangladesh's market. However, the imports have stabilized the market, and the price increase has not been significant, though it has been slightly impacted by the rising dollar exchange rate. To control the upward trend in rice prices, the government granted permission for imports and lifted the import duty.
Rice imports through Hili Land Port started on November 11, with the initial shipments being somewhat limited. However, the imports have now increased, and both Basmati and non-Basmati rice varieties are being imported from India.
