States » SouthPosted at: Nov 15 2026 8:19PM


Kerala 17th in rice price inflation; Centre's data contradicts claims of abnormal price rise

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 15 (UNI) Kerala ranks 17th among States and union Territories in retail rice price inflation, with the rate remaining significantly below the national average, according to data released by the union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
The State Food and Civil Supplies Department dismissed reports of an unprecedented rise in rice prices as misleading.
Citing the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures released by the union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation for October, the department said Kerala recorded rice price inflation of 8.54 per cent against the national average of 12.51 per cent. The State ranked 15th in overall retail inflation and fifth in food inflation.
The department dismissed reports of an excessive increase in rice prices as contrary to the actual market situation and suspected that misinformation was being spread to create artificial price escalation and push up the prices of rice and other food commodities.
According to the national rice inflation index, Puducherry recorded the highest increase at 28.54 per cent, followed by Andhra Pradesh (26.69 per cent), Telangana (24.47 per cent), Karnataka (22.43 per cent) and Dadra and Nagar Haveli (21.11 per cent).
Kerala's food inflation stood at 10.92 per cent, placing it fifth nationally, while its overall retail inflation was 4.37 per cent, ranking it 15th.
Following directions from Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob, officials conducted market inspections in the wholesale centres of Kozhikode, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram and retail outlets in both urban and rural areas. The inspections did not reveal any abnormal increase in rice prices, the department said.
The prevailing retail prices showed that Kuthari (undam) was selling at Rs 45-50 per kg, vadi rice at Rs 48-56.85, raw rice at around Rs 50, Jaya at Rs 45-53.50, Kuruvai at Rs 43-50 and Ponni at Rs 70-75.
The daily price monitoring data compiled by the Price Monitoring Cell of the State Economics and Statistics Department also indicated only a marginal increase in the price of matta rice since July. The average increase up to November 13 was limited to around Rs 1.50 to Rs 1.90 per kg, officials said.
Though Ponni rice had registered a price increase, its consumption in Kerala was comparatively low. The department alleged that the increase in Ponni prices was being projected to create an impression of a general surge in rice prices across the State.
With inflationary pressures rising nationally, the Minister has directed officials to continue close monitoring of market trends. The government would not allow any attempt to artificially increase the prices of rice or other essential food items, the department said.
The government would also step up the supply of essential commodities, including rice, to the market, following the arrangements made during the Onam season, to prevent artificial shortages and contain price increases.
The State's ability to withstand the broader inflationary pressure was largely attributable to its strong public distribution system, which ensured the availability of essential commodities at controlled prices, department officials added.
UNI DS
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