Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has assured that supplies of essential commodities remain adequate across both wholesale and retail markets in the capital, adding that rice prices�"particularly across different varieties�"remain largely stable despite minor post-Eid fluctuations.
Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Wednesday after a market inspection, the minister said visits to key wholesale hubs such as Badamtali and retail markets including Naya Bazar found no significant or sustained increase in rice prices.
He noted that while some traders reported a temporary rise of Tk 1 to Tk 1.5 per kilogram in certain rice varieties after Eid, such movements were “normal market behaviour” rather than evidence of any broader price surge.
The inspection was carried out following a newspaper report alleging an increase in rice prices. The minister was accompanied by Food State Minister Md Abdul Bari and Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan.
According to market observations, some mill owners had initially attempted to raise prices by around Tk 100 per sack. However, traders said the increase did not hold, with rates subsequently returning to previous levels amid steady supply conditions.
Muktadir further said that supplies of edible oil and other essential commodities remain sufficient, and the government is maintaining close, daily monitoring of market conditions. He added that the state holds adequate food grain reserves and stands ready to intervene if required, although current market conditions do not justify any action.
State Minister Abdul Bari echoed the assurance, stating that the national rice supply chain remains “normal and uninterrupted.” He disclosed that government food grain stocks currently stand at nearly 2 million tonnes, well above emergency requirements, and continue to rise through ongoing procurement of paddy and rice.
