Rice import from India through Benapole port resume after 2 years

On Sunday night, three trucks carrying 105 tonnes (105,000 kg) of non-basmati rice, imported by Mahabubul Alam Food Products from Jashore, entered the transshipment yard at the port, according to Sajib Nazir, Deputy Director (Traffic) of Benapole Port.

Customs officials have been instructed to expedite the clearance process once all necessary documentation is verified. An additional 100 tonnes of rice from the same importer are expected to arrive soon.

Ziaur Rahman, manager of the clearing and forwarding (C&F) agency Hossain & Sons, said the total import cost of the shipment was $45,150, or approximately Tk 54.18 lakh. The cost per kilogram of rice, including additional expenses such as LC (Letter of Credit) fees, transportation, and port charges, amounts to around Tk 52, pushing the final price per kilogram to an estimated Tk 55.

The resumption of rice imports follows the government's decision to waive import duties in response to rising domestic rice prices. Additionally, India's recent relaxation of export restrictions has paved the way for increased imports, which are expected to help stabilize local market prices.

The government has authorized 24 importers, including 12 from Jashore, to bring in 73,000 tonnes of parboiled rice and 19,000 tonnes of Atap rice. However, some traders have expressed concerns about meeting the December 10 deadline for completing the authorized imports.

Mahabubul Alam Food Products obtained the Import Permit (IP) for the initial shipment of 105 metric tonnes, with another 100 metric tonnes expected shortly. India had imposed restrictions on parboiled and Atap rice exports in July 2023, but those restrictions have now been eased.

Rabindra Singha, Deputy Commissioner of Benapole Customs House, confirmed that on November 11, the Ministry of Food authorized the import of 120,000 metric tonnes of parboiled rice and 55,000 metric tonnes of Atap rice. Importers are required to distribute the rice in local markets by December 10 and report the quantities imported, warehoused, and marketed to the district food controller.