Chennai: Tamil Nadu Food Minister Venkataramanan on Tuesday attributed the recent rise in rice prices to the ongoing war in West Asia, citing its impact on fuel availability and costs.
Speaking during a debate in the State Assembly, DMK MLA Sakkarapani alleged that after the TVK government assumed office, rice prices had increased by more than Rs 10 per kg and urged the government to take steps to control the surge.
Responding, the minister said the West Asia conflict had led to shortages of petrol and diesel and a rise in fuel prices. He added that despite higher paddy production, rice prices have gone up by about Rs 6–7 per kg since March.
The minister said the increase was not limited to Tamil Nadu and that prices had also risen in neighbouring states such as Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. He maintained that the state has adequate rice stocks, there is no shortage anywhere, and measures are being taken to keep prices under control.
