India–Bangladesh Wheat Trade | Rake Export Momentum | 18 Sep 2026

India–Bangladesh wheat trade gains momentum

• After more than four years of export restrictions, India reopened wheat exports in 2026, permitting 5 MMT of shipments on the back of comfortable domestic stocks and a strong production outlook.
• Disruptions to Black Sea grain shipments have increased uncertainty around supplies from Russia and Ukraine.
• As global wheat prices strengthened, Bangladesh emerged as one of the most commercially viable nearby markets for Indian wheat, with industry reports highlighting export parity through the land-border route.
• This geographical advantage matters most for rail-based exports, allowing wheat from key producing states such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to move directly towards Bangladesh border gateways.

Wheat rake movement from India to Bangladesh

• Rake data shows that Bangladesh-bound wheat movement began in August and accelerated sharply thereafter.
• A total of 10 rakes moved in August, split equally between Darshana and Rohanpur.
• In just the first 15 days of September, movement increased to 18 rakes, with Darshana accounting for 12 rakes (67%), followed by Rohanpur and Benepole.
• Bihar also emerged as the largest origin in September, contributing 8 of the 18 rakes, indicating a widening and strengthening rail-based wheat trade corridor between India and Bangladesh.

Destination gateways — Darshana, Rohanpur and Benepole

Darshana absorbed half of the August movement and two-thirds of the September movement, while Benepole appeared as a third gateway only in September.

Route-wise summary

August: 10 rakes — Darshana 5, Rohanpur 5. September (1–15): 18 rakes — Darshana 12, Rohanpur 4, Benepole 2.

Key districts driving Bangladesh-bound wheat rakes

• Rohtas accounts for all of Bihar’s Bangladesh-bound rakes, loading at Pahaleja station.
• Chatarpur contributes 50% of Madhya Pradesh’s rakes, moving through Maharaja Chhatrasal station.
• Gonda accounts for 63% of Uttar Pradesh’s rakes, loading at Subhagpur and Kachahri stations.

Rail vs sea: wheat export price comparison

• Indian wheat supplied to Bangladesh by rail is currently more price-competitive than the sea route.
• Rake-delivered wheat is quoted at around $321/MT for arrival quality and $325–327/MT for warehouse quality, compared with around $335/MT CIF Chittagong via sea.
• This gives the rail route an estimated $8–14/MT cost advantage, supported by India’s proximity and direct rail connectivity with Bangladesh.
• Trade activity also reflects this advantage, with 11 rakes reportedly traded at around $321/MT for delivery towards Darshana and Rohanpur.
• With one rake carrying roughly 2,646 MT, this represents nearly 29,100 MT of wheat.

Rake wheat export volumes and destination-wise breakup

• Wheat exported via rakes to Bangladesh totalled 26,460 MT in August 2026, with 13,230 MT moving to each of Darshana and Rohanpur.
• In the first half of September, volumes rose to 47,628 MT — 31,752 MT to Darshana, 10,584 MT to Rohanpur and 5,292 MT to Benepole.

Volumes are derived from rake counts at an indicative loading of about 2,646 MT per rake. Benepole received no rakes in August.

Bangladesh demand outlook and implications for India

• Bangladesh remains an important market for Indian wheat, with imports meeting over 80% of its wheat-based food requirements.
• However, USDA expects imports to decline 11% YoY to 6.6 MMT in 2026/27, amid high global prices and sizeable carryover stocks.
• Bangladesh-bound rake movement provides an additional demand channel for wheat from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar.
• Any pickup in Bangladesh imports could strengthen domestic wheat prices, while the projected decline in imports may limit further upside and keep the Indian market relatively steady.