Rice prices in Virudhunagar have increased by up to Rs 8 per kg, with traders attributing the rise to higher diesel prices and the resulting jump in transport charges.
According to the report, crude oil supply concerns linked to the Iran–Israel–US conflict have driven up international oil prices. In India, petroleum companies have raised fuel prices four times since May 15, adding to cost pressures.
With diesel becoming costlier, lorry freight charges for moving goods between states have reportedly gone up by as much as 25%. This has directly affected rice shipments arriving from outside Tamil Nadu.
Rice traders said varieties sourced from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh—including Karnataka Ponni and ghee kichadi—have seen notable increases. They cited hikes of about Rs 40 for a 10-kg bag and up to Rs 150 for a 26-kg bag, while retail prices have risen by up to Rs 8 per kg.
