Rice prices in Bangladesh have been rising for 1.5 years, reaching record highs despite private import approvals. Of the 16.75 lakh tonnes permitted for import, only 2.63 lakh tonnes (17%) have arrived by March due to high dollar exchange rates, a strong Aman harvest, and weak demand. In FY 2024-25, inflation has exceeded 9% since March 2023, impacting affordability. Government interventions, including Aman procurement and G2G imports, have stabilized supply through OMS and TCB sales. Importers report minimal profitability, citing exchange rate fluctuations and low demand. Fine rice prices range from Tk 72-85 per kg, medium-grain at Tk 58-65, and coarse at Tk 50-55, with year-on-year increases of 14.60%, 13.89%, and 5%, respectively. Bangladesh needs 3.7-3.9 crore tonnes of rice annually, met mostly by domestic production, with no rice imports recorded in FY 2023-24. Political uncertainty and G2G imports further discourage private sector participation.
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