Bangladesh: Govt extends rice-export ban through December

The government said Wednesday it would extend its ban on rice exports into early December in an effort to prevent "profit-monger" traders from pushing the staple price up on supply shortage grounds.

The office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports (CCIE), a wing of the ministry of commerce, issued a circular, extending the ban. Grain exporters will, however, be allowed to ship aromatic basmati rice in the international market.

A commerce ministry official said the government also considers an extension of the ban on the exports of some common vegetables and fish, considering the travails of lower income people during and after Ramadan.

Last month, the commerce ministry enforced restrictions on the exports of green chili, brinjal, tomato, onion and garlic to keep their prices in check.

The export ban on fish, except frozen shrimp, also came into effect from the 31st July, 2012 with a view to bringing the price stability during the month of fasting. The ban is continuing.

"We are now seriously considering extending export ban on vegetables and fish," a joint secretary of the MoC told the FE.

Asked when the decision would be taken, he said, the MoC will take decision after the Eid- Ul- Fitr.

Due to increased amount of consumption, the prices of green chili, brinjal, tomato and some other vegetables usually shoot up during Ramadan, making it difficult for the middle class and fixed earners to purchase the items rich in vitamin and minerals.

Consumers have started getting "limited" benefits follow the export ban, with the prices of rice and vegetables "relatively stable" in the city, although fish remain stubbornly high.

The prices of brinjal, widely used for preparing one of the common Iftar items, have almost halved in the past few days due mainly to abundant supply in the market.

Consumers of limited income group have expressed their satisfaction over the price fall of green chili and brinjal.

"We are happy over the price of brinjal and green chili and other vegetable prices," Md Farid, a private service holder, told the FE.

Visiting different kitchen markets in the city, the FE correspondent found per kg of different sizes of brinjal was sold at Tk 20- Tk 25, which Tk 45-50 during the first tow weeks of Ramadan. The prices of brinjal per kg were Tk 80-100 last year.

Per kg of green chili was sold at Tk 55-60, which was sold at Tk 80-90 before Ramadan, the Muslims' month of fasting.

Source: http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/more.php?news_id=139654&date=2012-08-09