After months of instability, rice prices in Dhaka’s markets have finally started to ease, bringing some relief to consumers. A visit to several markets, including Aganagar in Keraniganj and the capital’s Karwan Bazar on Friday, May 2, revealed that rice prices have declined compared to the previous week.

Prices had surged ahead of Ramadan and remained high throughout the month, especially for fine-grain rice, causing hardship for buyers. However, with the beginning of May, the market has begun to see a downward trend in prices.

Traders attribute the price drop to the arrival of new Boro paddy in the market, which has led to the availability of fresh rice. As a result, the price of fine rice has dropped by 2 to 4 taka per kilogram depending on the variety. Coarse and medium-grade rice, however, is still being sold at earlier rates.

According to Karwan Bazar rice trader Rakib, the arrival of new Miniket rice is helping reduce prices. He added that once the supply of new rice becomes more widespread, prices of other varieties are also expected to decline.

Current market rates show Miniket rice selling at Tk 84–88 per kg, Atash at Tk 60–62, Shorna at Tk 55, and Nazirshail between Tk 76–88. Polao rice remains the most expensive, priced at Tk 116–118 per kg.

Buyers have expressed concern, questioning why rice prices remain high despite healthy domestic production. One customer, Mashrur, said that while the recent decline is somewhat comforting, the prices are still unreasonably high and suggested that increased market monitoring could help bring further relief.

Earlier, on April 13, Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin had stated that Boro-season rice would enter the market within two weeks and that this new supply would help stabilize rice prices further.