Assam Floods: Prices of rice rise steeply in State

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: At a time when lakhs of people are reeling under the havoc caused by floods, along with prices of other essential commodities the price of various varieties of rice has witnessed a sharp increase across the State over the past week.

According to some city-based wholesalers, prices of all varieties of rice have increased in the State. The price of the comparatively cheapest popular brand of rice, 'Swastik', was Rs 2,300 per quintal last week, but it has now increased to Rs 2,700 per quintal. The retail price was Rs 25-26 per kg (including carriage charge) last week and it has risen to Rs 30-31 per kg now. Similar, different varieties of the popular 'KRT' brand of rice cost between Rs 2,600 and 2,800 per quintal last week, but they are now selling at Rs 3,200 to Rs 3,400 per quintal. The price of the BPP brand of rice has risen by Rs 200-300 per quintal, the price of the Sonashakti brand has risen by Rs 200 per quintal, the price of the Qutub Minar brand has increased by Rs 400 per quintal etc.

The wholesalers did not mention any specific reason for the increase in the price of rice. They, however, mentioned that most of these brands come from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal and said they have been informed that the rise in prices has occurred in these States and percolated down to the State. The ongoing floods in the State may also be a contributory factor, they wholesalers said.

According to retailers, they are finding it difficult to stock large quantities of rice due to the rise in prices.

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