Rice prices drop at Hili border as massive imports resume from India

Following the government’s decision to permit rice imports, a significant quantity of rice has begun entering Bangladesh through Hili land port in Dinajpur, after a nearly four-month pause.

Within the past nine days alone, more than 14,500 metric tons of rice have arrived from India, easing market pressure and resulting in a price drop of Tk 2 to 3 per kilogram at wholesale level.

Lalit Keshra, a rice importer at Hili, said the government allowed imports to stabilize rice prices and ensure adequate supply in the domestic market.

“We are now importing large volumes of rice daily through Hili port. This has already brought down prices by Tk 2 to 3 per kg,” he said.

Among the varieties being imported are Swarna, Shampa Katari, Ratna and Miniket; popular medium and fine-grain rice types in Bangladesh. The steady supply has already begun attracting wholesale buyers from different northern districts.

Another importer, Shahinur Islam, noted that buyers are arriving in large numbers and purchasing rice after price negotiations.

“Today, good-quality fine rice is selling at Tk 68 per kg; 3 taka lower than just a few days ago. Atash variety is selling at Tk 54–55 and Swarna rice at Tk 52 per kg,” he said.

Several wholesale buyers from nearby areas also confirmed the price drop. “Just three or four days ago, we bought rice at higher rates. Today, the same rice is Tk 2 to 3 cheaper per kg,” one buyer said.

With daily imports continuing, they are hopeful that prices will fall further.

According to Plant Quarantine Centre at Hili land port, rice imports through the port resumed on August 12.

The trade had been suspended for four months, but resumed after the government reauthorized imports to manage domestic prices.

Meanwhile, Hili Customs Revenue Officer Md. Nizam Uddin confirmed that since August 12, a total of 14,500 metric tons of non-basmati rice have entered Bangladesh through 332 Indian trucks.

He also clarified that, initially, customs systems were displaying the previous 63.5% duty rate due to a technical delay.

However, National Board of Revenue (NBR) later issued a circular enforcing the new reduced duty of 2%, under which rice is now being cleared.

The resumed import and reduced tariffs are expected to continue easing prices in local markets and benefit consumers, especially during this period of heightened food price volatility.