NAOGAON, May 17: Despite the ongoing peak Boro harvesting season, rice prices have increased by Tk 2-3 per kg over the past week in both wholesale and retail markets in Naogaon District, an area traditionally known for its robust rice and paddy production.
At a time when prices are usually expected to decline due to ample supply, traders say a shortage of new rice in the market and rising paddy prices in local haats have pushed up rates.
Consumers, however, suspect that market syndicates are driving the price hike even during the peak season. They have called for stricter market monitoring and drives against hoarding at rice mills to stabilise prices.
In the city's municipal retail rice market, Swarna-5 rice is currently selling at Tk 48-49 per kg, up from Tk 45-46 a week ago. Old Kataribhog (short grain) rice is selling at Tk 73-75 per kg, compared to Tk 70-72 previously. Another variety of old Kataribhog is selling at Tk 70 per kg, up from Tk 68. Jirashail rice, however, has remained stable at Tk 70-72 per kg.
"I work in a private company, and my entire salary is spent on household expenses. Rice prices have gone up by Tk 2-3 per kg in a week, which is putting pressure on ordinary consumers like us," said consumer Iqbal Hossain.
Another consumer, Manik, said there is "no justification" for a price increase during the peak harvest season. "Authorities should investigate whether anyone is hoarding paddy and artificially increasing prices," he added.
Laxmi Rice Store owner Uttam Sarkar said prices of both fine Kataribhog and coarse Swarna-5 varieties have increased by Tk 2-3 per kg at the wholesale level. "We are forced to sell at higher prices as we are purchasing at higher rates. New rice supply is also low in the market," he said.
Farhad Hossain Chakdar, General Secretary of the Naogaon District Rice Mill Owners Group, said some crop damage due to adverse weather and an initially lower paddy price trend have now reversed, pushing prices upward. He also noted that government procurement of paddy and rice has begun, contributing to the rise of Tk 2-3 per kg in wholesale rice prices.
