Dhaka, July 14 -- Rice prices spike to the woes of commoners, even, as millers make hay while private import stalls, sources say.

Private imports have come to a halt following the end of government zero-duty facility for importers, they add.

Millers are taking advantage of the situation, making high profits, while consumers facing the burden of increased prices, said insiders.

The government-provided zero-rated duty facility, given in October last for rice, was over on May 26. And the regular high import duty of 62.5 per cent got reinstated thereafter.

Nilphamari-based trader Ripon Kundu says the end of the zero-duty facility upended the market balance.

"With a 62.5-percent duty, no one is willing to import rice as it pushes the pric...