Rice gets costlier in Visakhapatnam despite no supply disruption
Rice prices in Visakhapatnam have risen by ₹200 a bag in a month, adding to household budget pressure. A 26-kg bag of fine-quality rice that cost ₹1,800 in the first week of last month now sells for ₹2,000.
The rise comes despite no major supply disruption or reported crop damage. Traders blame higher prices quoted by millers. The two Godavari districts supply nearly 95% of the district’s rice requirement.
Daily price fluctuations are leaving consumers, particularly those on fixed incomes, uncertain about grocery spending. Paddy transplantation remains incomplete in parts of North Andhra, reportedly because of El Niño, and the crop in irrigated areas is expected to be harvested by the end of November. Meanwhile, traders from other States are offering higher prices for paddy in neighbouring Telangana. New rice is selling at around ₹70 a kg.
On Saturday, wholesale prices stood at ₹8,400 a quintal for HMT rice and ₹8,200 a quintal for fine BPT. Retailers add ₹3 to ₹5 a kg. A 26-kg bag of Bell, Lalitha and Akshaya varieties costs ₹2,200, while fine BPT is priced at ₹2,000.
The Civil Supplies Department and the price control committee have not intervened effectively, and officials have reportedly not reviewed stock availability or the reasons for the increase. Traders have urged warehouse inspections and measures to contain prices.