Bengal rice prices rise, CM orders check
West Bengal rice prices have risen sharply, with Minikit, Banskathi and Dudh-Sar up Rs 5–10/kg and Swarna Rs 3–5/kg in 15 days. Floods disrupted supplies, while higher paddy, machinery and production costs added pressure. The government expects prices to ease soon amid market monitoring.
Kolkata: Rice prices have risen across West Bengal, adding to the burden on middle-class households already facing higher kitchen expenses. Retail prices of popular varieties such as Minikit, Banskathi and Dudh-Sar have increased by Rs 5–10 per kg in the past 15 days, while Swarna has become costlier by Rs 3–5 per kg.
The price rise has prompted Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to question the increase, pointing out that rice is produced within the state. He has launched Consumer Protection Week from September 1 to 7 to monitor market prices and food quality and regulate prices of essential commodities.
Consumers said the increase was forcing them to change their choices.
“I am now buying a lower-priced variety of rice instead of the one I usually purchase,” said a customer. Traders attributed the rise to supply disruptions following floods in Medinipur, Hooghly and Burdwan, which affected rice mills.
They also alleged that some stockists in Habra have slowed the release of fine rice. Mill owners said paddy prices have risen by over Rs 200 per 60-kg bag from last year, while higher machinery costs and GST-related issues have increased production expenses.
The Consumer Affairs Department expects prices to ease soon.
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Source : Millennium Post
