Despite the National Board of Revenue’s (NBR) recent decision to halve import duties on refined and raw sugar, prices continue to rise in Bangladesh. The NBR reduced import duties on raw sugar to Tk1,500 per tonne and refined sugar to Tk3,000 per tonne on November 1, 2023. However, two weeks later, sugar prices in Chattogram’s wholesale market increased by Tk500 to Tk5,000 per maund (37.32 kilograms).
Unpackaged sugar in retail markets rose by Tk10 to Tk145 per kg. Wholesalers attribute the price hike to inadequate supply by millers, alleging market manipulation. Despite the duty reduction, consumers are yet to see benefits, with industry experts noting that the impact will take time as existing imported sugar awaits release. Annual sugar demand in Bangladesh is 18 to 20 lakh tonnes, with 96% met through imports, primarily by five major private-sector groups: City, Meghna, S Alam, Abdul Monem Limited, and Deshbandhu Sugar Mills.