The Government of Bangladesh has officially launched an expanded Open Market Sale (OMS) initiative across 419 upazilas to combat recent price volatility in the grain market. This strategic move aims to provide immediate financial relief to low-income households by offering essential food grains at significantly subsidised rates, ensuring that the staple remains affordable for the general public.
Beginning Thursday, the Ministry of Food deployed additional resources to ensure that one metric tonne of rice is available daily in each participating upazila. The rice is priced at Tk 30 per kilogram, a rate specifically calculated to stabilise local market trends and provide a safety net for vulnerable populations. This new initiative operates in tandem with the government’s existing regular OMS programme to create a comprehensive distribution network.
According to a release from the Press Information Department (PID), the expansion does not replace current efforts but adds a secondary layer of support to reach deeper into rural areas. Currently, the regular OMS programme serves 1,081 centres nationwide, spanning 12 city corporations, 52 district headquarter municipalities, 15 labour-intensive upazilas, and five labour-intensive municipalities. On a daily basis, these centres distribute approximately 1,417.5 metric tonnes of flour and 1,175 metric tonnes of rice to meet public demand.
To maintain transparency and prevent overcharging, the Ministry has clarified the fixed rates for essential commodities. Loose flour is currently being sold at Tk 24 per kilogram, while two-kilogram packed flour is available for Tk 55. The subsidised rice remains at the fixed rate of Tk 30 per kilogram across all distribution points. Despite the country maintaining adequate food stocks, officials noted sporadic price increases for finer varieties of rice in specific regions, prompting this rapid intervention.
In response to these fluctuations, the Ministry of Food has issued a directive for heightened market surveillance and regular monitoring. Local authorities have been instructed to watch trading hubs closely and initiate legal action against any entities found engaging in artificial price manipulation or hoarding. While the prices of coarse and medium rice remain stable, the expansion to 419 upazilas is viewed as a necessary step to protect consumers from inflationary pressures.
