Fuel Price Hike Pushes Up Grocery Costs Across Karnataka, Rice and Pulses Become Costlier
Rising fuel prices and increasing transportation costs have led to a sharp jump in rice and pulse prices, adding pressure on household budgets across Karnataka.
Consumers across Karnataka are facing another wave of inflation as the prices of essential food items, especially rice and pulses, have increased sharply following the recent fuel price hike.
According to market reports, the rise in petrol and diesel prices has directly affected transportation and storage costs, leading to higher grocery prices across the state. Global economic factors, including tensions in the Middle East and rising crude oil prices, are also believed to have contributed to the increase.
Fuel prices in India have reportedly gone up by around Rs 3 per litre, and the impact is now being felt in local markets.
Rice prices have seen a significant jump over the past week. Wholesale traders say both regular and premium varieties have become costlier by Rs 3 to Rs 10 per kilogram during the last 15 days. They also warned that retail prices may rise further if the current trend continues.
The price of a 26 kilogram rice bag has increased by Rs 100 to Rs 200, creating additional financial pressure for families already struggling with rising living costs.
Traders attributed the increase to uneven rainfall, reduced crop production and higher transportation expenses.
Middle class households and daily wage earners are said to be the worst affected, as managing monthly expenses is becoming increasingly difficult.
Several popular rice varieties have recorded noticeable price hikes in just one week.
Sona Masoori steamed rice increased from Rs 69 per kg to Rs 78 per kg, while RNR steamed rice rose from Rs 69 to Rs 79 per kg. RNR raw rice went up from Rs 66 to Rs 76 per kg.
Similarly, Sona Masoori raw rice climbed from Rs 58 to Rs 65 per kg, and Kolam raw rice increased from Rs 69 to Rs 80 per kg.
Apart from rice, pulses have also become more expensive. Toor dal is now being sold at prices ranging between Rs 125 and Rs 128 per kilogram. Traders said the prices of other pulses are also increasing steadily.
With essential commodities continuing to become costlier, consumers across Karnataka are feeling the growing burden of inflation in their daily lives.