Global rice prices fell 31% in 2025, but Bangladesh consumers still pay Tk 54-60 per kg for coarse rice despite domestic production exceeding demand by 4 million tonnes.
Rice prices in Bangladesh remain stubbornly high despite a dramatic fall in global prices and domestic production surpassing national demand, creating financial pressure on households across Atrai Upazila and the rest of the country.
According to the World Bank's Commodity Market Outlook report, average global rice prices fell by 31 percent in 2025, with a further 1 percent decline expected in 2026. However, coarse rice in Bangladesh currently sells for Tk 54-60 per kilogram, while fine rice costs Tk 70-85 per kg, according to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB).
The Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) projects that national rice production will surpass 40 million tonnes this year, exceeding domestic demand by at least 4 million tonnes. Director General Shahjahan Kabir stated there is no need for imports and that local production should be prioritized, especially given rising prices in the international market.
Despite the production surplus, prices have climbed steadily since 2020, when coarse rice sold for Tk 30-35 per kg. Experts attribute the persistent high prices to multiple factors in the supply chain that increase costs for consumers. The government has extended its food-friendly programme from five to six months and continues open-market rice sales to provide relief to consumers.
For farming families in Atrai and across Naogaon district—a key rice-producing region—the price situation presents a paradox: while they contribute significantly to national food security through increased production, they also face higher costs when purchasing rice for their own consumption.