Prices of atta (crushed wheat) have fallen substantially in the local market as the international prices have long started to decline.
As of yesterday the wholesale prices of wheat imported from Ukraine ranged between Tk 545 and Tk 560 a maund (37.2 kilogram), which is about Tk. 15 per kilogram.
The current price of packed flour at retail level is Tk 28 per kg. Previously, it was Tk 32 per kg.
However, the price of loose flour at retail level is Tk 24 at different city markets on Saturday.
Commerce secretary Feroz Ahmed said that they were yet to discuss with flour millers to keep the prices of the same reasonable. He observed that prices of flour still remained high in the local market.
Importers said wheat prices plunged to around US$200 per tonne whereas it was above US400 per tonne before June last year.
Importers said prices of wheat started to cool off in the international market since June, after a record harvest of the cereal and lower freight due to lower fuel oil prices.
Abdur Razzak, president of Moulvibazar Wholesale Traders Association said although the prices flour have declined but it is still high compared to the international prices.
Bangladesh imports wheat worth US400 million a year while it produces around 800,000 tonnes a year.
Courtesy: nation.ittefaq.com
