Chennai: Consumers across Tamil Nadu are facing a sudden spike in rice and grocery prices, pushing up monthly household expenses.
The state does not produce enough rice to meet its own demand, and supplies are brought in from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. With production reported to have fallen in neighbouring states and exports rising, availability in the market has tightened.
Market sources say stockpiling has also increased, including through online sellers, as exporters seek larger quantities in the coming days. The combined impact of lower output and hoarding has led to a rapid rise in prices.
Compared to June, the price of Ponni parboiled rice has increased by as much as Rs 9 per kg. Grocery staples have also climbed: round red chilli has moved from about Rs 260 to Rs 320 per kg, coriander from Rs 160 to Rs 250, and first-grade garlic from Rs 200 to Rs 250. Tamarind has risen by up to Rs 40 per kg, while urad dal is selling around Rs 150 (from Rs 120), chana dal around Rs 100 (from Rs 80) and toor dal around Rs 140 (from Rs 130). Sugar has increased from Rs 41 to Rs 51 per kg.
Munusamy, an adviser to rice mills in Kancheepuram district, said paddy cultivation area in southern states has fallen by about 10%, intensifying demand and triggering inter-state procurement competition among mill owners. He said rice prices could rise further if the trend continues, and may ease only after May–June next year, adding that prices are unlikely to fall below Rs 60 per kg amid unpredictable trade competition.
