Rice prices at Hili Land Port have risen by Tk 2–3 per kilogram in the past few days, despite an increase in imports from India.
Importers have stepped up shipments as the government-set import period nears its end, but fears that the deadline will not be extended have pushed prices higher, creating difficulties for wholesalers from across the country.
Sources at Hili Land Port and local traders said that fine-quality Shampa Katari rice, which was selling at Tk 62–63 per kg a few days ago, is now priced at Tk 65–66 per kg.
Similarly, coarse Sorna rice has increased from Tk 44 to Tk 45 per kg. This price hike comes even though daily rice imports through the port have increased from 40–50 trucks to 70–100 trucks.
Wholesaler Anup Basak, who regularly buys rice from Hili, said, “Prices remained stable as imports continued, but news that shipments will stop after March 10 has created uncertainty. Demand at wholesale centers has fallen and daily supplies of three to four trucks are now unfulfilled due to fewer orders.”
Importer Mostafizur Rahman added, “The government allowed rice imports on January 18 to stabilize the domestic market, but the permit expires today, March 10. If the period is not extended, imports from India will stop and rice prices could rise another Tk 3–4 per kg.”
Yusuf Ali, Assistant Officer at Hili Land Port Plant Quarantine Center, confirmed that imports are currently permitted only until March 10.
He said importers are clearing shipments quickly as the deadline approaches, and no instructions have yet been issued to extend the period. If extended, rice imports will continue.
Rice imports from India through Hili and other ports began on January 21.
To stabilize the market, the government granted permission to 232 importers to bring in a total of 200,000 tons of rice.
MRM/SH
