Prices of locally grown aromatic rice have surged to an all-time high of Tk 220-230 per kg at the retail level, causing extra burden on consumers.

Traders and market analysts attributed the sharp price hike to persistent export of fragrant rice coupled with its supply shortage in the local market.

The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) recorded a 50-per cent rise in the prices of aromatic rice over the past four months, while market sources said the retail price of the same shot up by Tk 65-80 per kg during the period.

Local varieties of aromatic l rice, including Chinigura and Kalijeera, are currently selling at Tk 190-230 per kg in the market.

Branded packaged aromatic rice is being sold at around Tk 190 per kg, up from Tk 170 two weeks ago and Tk 150-160 four months earlier.

Loose Chinigura variety of rice is now retailing at Tk 220-230 per kg compared to Tk180-190 a couple of weeks ago and Tk 135-140 per kg in February.

Alif Islam, a grocer at Buddhijibir Dhal in Mohammadpur area, said the prices of aromatic rice began rising in February after the government announced that private-sector would be allowed to export the same.

He said the interim government permitted its exports just ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, triggering a steady rise in domestic prices of the item.

The interim government first lifted a nearly two-year export ban in April 2025, allowing 133 companies to export 25,000 tonnes of aromatic rice.

In February 2026, the Ministry of Commerce again allowed its exports.

In May this year, the ministry authorised 211 companies to export 36,520 tonnes of aromatic rice until December 31, subject to nine conditions.

Sazzad Ali, a rice trader at Mohammadpur Krishi Market, said some large companies dominate both the domestic and export markets for aromatic rice.

He estimated that seven to eight companies now control 60-70 per cent of the aromatic rice market.

"They are the major exporters as well as the leading players in the domestic market," he said, adding that there is currently a shortage of aromatic rice in the market.

When asked, Mohammad Ishakul Hossain, president of the Bangladesh Rice Exporters Association, said about 2,000-2100 tonnes of shipment could be made in the last one month.

He said it is a tiny amount compared to the production of above 1.0 million tonnes.

He said big millers have a stockpile and they are using the export announcement as a way to make huge profits. Shamsul Alam, a miller at Nilphamari, said auto rice millers can hardly store aromatic rice.

He said only a small number of automated mill owners do businesses of aromatic rice throughout the year.

Allowing export of aromatic incentivised the market, he added.

Anowar Hossain Babul, proprietor of Olima Traders in Nilphamari, said half of the aromatic rice is being turned into finer 'parboiled rice' at the beginning of the season. Rising consumption of aromatic rice has also resulted in a supply shortage for the produce.

Agricultural economist Prof Golam Hafeez Kennedy said the country experienced crop losses during the Boro season, while Aus output also declined to some extent.

He said global aromatic rice prices have been rising steadily in recent months also. "This is not an ideal time for Bangladesh to export such a large volume of rice," he said.

Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan, Secretary of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), said it is unfair for local consumers.

"The problem lies in oligopoly. A few dominant business groups continue to control both the domestic and export markets," he said.

He urged the government to immediately suspend aromatic rice exports to safeguard the country's food security.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Bangladesh produces more than 40 million tonnes of rice annually, of which aromatic rice accounts for around 1.2-1.5 million tonnes.

The country's annual demand for aromatic rice is 0.7-0.8 million tonnes.

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