Rice, pulses, sugar prices rise across Kerala: Urad dal crosses Rs 150 per kg

Kottayam: Prices of rice, pulses and other essential food items are rising across Kerala, adding to the financial burden on ordinary households. The wholesale price of Ponni rice has increased by Rs 10 per kg in a month to Rs 53, while retail prices have gone up by Rs 8 to Rs 10.

Prices of chickpeas (kadala), urad dal (uzhunnu), cowpeas (vanpayar) and sugar have also increased. The price rise comes amid the impact of the ongoing conflict in West Asia on various sectors, adding to the cost of everyday essentials for consumers.

Traders attribute the increase in rice, chilli and other essential commodity prices mainly to changing weather conditions in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. While excessive rainfall has damaged crops in some regions, inadequate rainfall has affected production in others.

Rice prices deal a major blow to consumers

Rice prices have risen sharply, putting additional pressure on household budgets. Over the past two months, the wholesale prices of kuthari and chaakkari have increased by up to Rs 4 per kg.

The retail price of the widely consumed Matta rice has jumped from Rs 50 to Rs 65 per kg. The price of Sulekha rice has increased from Rs 45 to Rs 55, while Jaya rice has gone up from Rs 45 to Rs 54 per kg.

With rice prices climbing, hotels may also be forced to increase the cost of meals.

The prices of pulses and spices have also recorded significant increases. Toor dal (Thovaraparippu) is currently priced at Rs 170 per kg, while ordinary dal costs Rs 70.

With demand rising during the Diwali season, urad dal (uzhunnu) has become more expensive. Its wholesale price has increased twice in two weeks, rising by a total of Rs 12 to Rs 138 per kg. Retail prices have crossed Rs 150 in several places.

The price of chilli has surged from Rs 230 to Rs 360 per kg, while turmeric has increased from Rs 180 to Rs 300. Chickpeas have become costlier by up to Rs 10, taking their price to Rs 95 per kg.

Cowpeas (vanpayar) are also selling at Rs 120 per kg.

Sugar prices, meanwhile, have started rising again. After reaching Rs 70 per kg during Onam, prices had fallen to Rs 50 last month. They have since climbed to Rs 54 per kg in the wholesale market.

Wheat flour prices set to rise

Wheat flour is also expected to become more expensive. The current wholesale price is Rs 38 per kg, but it is expected to increase by Rs 2 when fresh stocks arrive.

Rava (semolina) is currently priced at Rs 47 per kg.