International rice prices reached USD 16.83 per cwt on October 8, the highest since July 2024, with prices up 54.57% year-on-year.
Global rice prices have surged to a 26-month high, reaching USD 16.83 per hundredweight (cwt) on October 8, 2026, according to international commodity trading data. This represents the highest price level since July 2024 and marks a significant 54.57% increase compared to the same period last year.
The price increase comes at a challenging time for Bangladesh, which remains one of the world's largest rice producers and consumers. Over the past month alone, rice prices have risen 7.92% on international markets, adding pressure to domestic food costs that have already been elevated throughout 2025 and 2026.
For families in Atrai Upazila and across Naogaon district, the global price surge compounds existing concerns about food affordability. Bangladesh consumes an estimated 38 to 43 million tonnes of rice annually, making it necessary to import rice periodically to bridge the gap between domestic production and consumption needs. When international prices rise, the cost of these imports increases, which can eventually affect local market prices.
Food experts note that rice price fluctuations particularly impact low-income families who spend a large portion of their household budgets on this staple grain. The Bangladesh government has taken various measures to stabilize domestic prices, including maintaining rice reserves and operating subsidized food programs, though global market conditions continue to influence local costs.