Top Rice News: Asian Prices Rise, Assam’s Efforts & Aromatic Rice

Top rice news today highlights rising Asian rice prices amid tightening supplies, weather risks and stronger demand. India, Vietnam and Thailand are witnessing price increases, while Bangladesh has approved Vietnamese rice imports. In Assam, over 48.5 lakh kg of rice has been distributed among flood-affected families. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has tightened aromatic rice export monitoring as domestic prices surge, with authorities reviewing unused quotas and investigating stock-holding allegations.

Asian Rice Prices Rise Amid Tight Supply and Weather Risks

Asian rice prices are increasing as concerns over tightening supplies and weather-related risks support the market. India’s 5% broken parboiled rice rose to $362–$368 per metric ton, its highest level in nearly a year, supported by steady demand from African buyers and uncertainty over the new-season harvest. Moreover, India’s rice exports grew 5% in the first half of 2026, mainly due to stronger non-basmati rice shipments, despite weaker basmati rice exports following disruptions in major Gulf markets. Vietnam’s 5% broken rice also climbed for the third consecutive week to $435–$455 per ton. Bangladesh has approved imports of 100,000 tons of Vietnamese parboiled rice to ease domestic prices. Meanwhile, Thailand’s rice prices rose amid stronger demand from Malaysia and the Philippines, which are rising imports because of El Niño concerns. Traders expect global heatwaves and supply risks to keep prices supported.

Assam Distributes 48.5 Lakh Kg Rice In Flood Relief

According to reports, Assam’s government has intensified relief efforts for families affected by the ongoing Assam floods by ensuring uninterrupted supplies of essential food items. Notably, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said more than 48.5 lakh kg of rice has been distributed in the flood-hit areas since relief operations began. The government figures state that 48,55,864 kg of rice has reached affected people, along with 10,15,785 kg of dal, 4,00,794 kg of salt and 1,63,549 litres of mustard oil. The large-scale distribution aims to support families whose homes and livelihoods have been disrupted by flooding. The state frequently faces severe monsoon floods due to heavy rainfall and rising water levels in the Brahmaputra and its tributaries. The state administration is coordinating relief and rehabilitation through district authorities and other agencies. The minister asserted that the government would continue providing assistance and essential supplies until conditions improve and affected families recover.

Bangladesh Tightens Watch On Aromatic Rice Exports

Recently, Bangladesh’s government has tightened monitoring of aromatic rice exports as domestic prices have increased sharply. The Country’s Commerce Ministry has instructed exporters to submit actual shipment details within three working days so unused export quotas can be reviewed and potentially reduced. BRRI Dhan-34 prices in Dhaka rose 13 per cent in the past month to Tk 140–210 per kilogramme, whereas prices are 63 per cent higher than a year ago. Chinigura rice rose 21 per cent in two weeks to Tk 230 per kilogramme. The government had earlier approved 45,270 tonnes of aromatic rice exports for 278 companies, but several exporters failed to use their full quotas. In addition, authorities are investigating allegations that some large millers are holding stocks and limiting market supply. Consumer representatives have called the recent price increases unjustified and appealed to the government to assess whether restricting exports could help lower domestic prices.