Bangladesh’s food grain import costs are set to rise significantly in FY2024-25, outpacing the growth in import volumes, according to data from the Ministry of Food and Bangladesh Bank.

Total food grain imports are projected to reach nearly 7 million tonnes in the outgoing fiscal year, up from 6.65 million tonnes in FY24. This increase is driven mainly by rice imports, which resumed after severe floods in coastal regions disrupted domestic production.

Rice imports, absent in FY24, are expected to reach 1.25 million tonnes this fiscal, while wheat imports declined to an estimated 5.75 million tonnes from 6.62 million tonnes last year.

Despite adequate supply and stable global prices, domestic consumers saw little relief. Bangladesh Bank data shows food grain import costs jumped 16% to $1.91 billion by April. Rice import costs surged to $605 million, while wheat import value fell 20% to $1.31 billion.

SM Nazer Hossain of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh criticised the lack of price adjustment, noting that local wheat prices remained high even as global prices fell by 12–15%.

Currently, course flour (atta) sells for Tk 45–60 per kg, and refined flour (maida) for Tk 65–70.

Director of the Directorate General of Food, Md Moniruzzaman, said steady imports, better harvests, and increased domestic procurement boosted food grain availability. The government’s stock stands at 1.6 million tonnes and is expected to grow by August.

Observers warn that ongoing geopolitical tensions could further disrupt global food markets.