Rice prices in Pakistan have gone up sharply as inflation continues to rise, especially after the recent floods that badly damaged farmland.
Different types of rice have become more expensive, with prices increasing by up to 15 rupees per kilogram, putting more pressure on people’s household budgets.
Reports say that Super Kainat rice is now 15 rupees costlier, being sold at 415 rupees per kilogram, while its premium quality variety is available at 440 rupees per kilogram. Single Steam rice is being sold in markets at 400 rupees per kilogram. The price of Super Kernel rice has climbed to between 380 and 385 rupees per kilogram, while Seela rice is now priced at 390 rupees per kilogram.
Retailers say this rise in rice prices is due to higher buying costs from farmers, increasing production expenses, and rising transport charges, all of which have pushed prices further up.
The rising cost of basic food items like rice is becoming a serious problem for people across the country.
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, weekly inflation measured by the Sensitive Price Indicator went up by 0.56 percent for the week ending October 2. Out of 51 items, prices of 19 items increased, 12 went down, and 20 remained unchanged.
Among the items that became cheaper this week were chicken, bananas, pulse gram, gur, potatoes, LPG, eggs, cooking oil, and pulse moong. On the other hand, the prices of tomatoes, petrol, diesel, garlic, onions, chili powder, mutton, beef, vegetable ghee, curd, lawn fabric, and cigarettes went up.
