Dhaka, March 8 -- The prices of non-packaged aromatic rice have gone up by Tk 10-20 a kg during Ramadan, a hike traders attribute to the government's possible decision to permit the exports of this item.

The retail prices of such rice now range between Tk 140 and Tk 150 a kg, according to grocers. Branded fragrant rice prices, however, remain steady at the previous high of Tk 160-170 a kg.

Abul Kamal, a grocer at Razia Sultana Road in the capital's Mohammadpur, said companies like Pran-RFL, City, and Square had already raised prices to Tk 160-170 a kg.

He also said the wholesale prices of non-packaged aromatic rice varieties, including kalijeera and chinigura, have increased to Tk 130-136 a kg from Tk 112-120 a kg.

"We are retailing t...