Bengaluru: The cost of running a household has come under fresh pressure as prices of several everyday kitchen essentials have increased across southern India over recent years.
A comparison of retail price data from the Department of Consumer Affairs shows that the movement has varied sharply between commodities and states. Karnataka has also recorded significant increases in several staples.
Cooking oil sees a sharp rise
Sunflower oil recorded one of the steepest increases between August 2024 and August 2026. In Karnataka, its price rose from Rs 114.38 per kg to Rs 192.25, an increase of 68.1 per cent.
However, the longer-term picture is more moderate. Compared with August 2022, the price increased by 9.8 per cent, after falling considerably in 2024 before rising again.
Coriander also became costlier, rising in Karnataka from Rs 31.38 per kg in 2024 to Rs 40.38 in 2026.
Rice and sugar add to the burden
Sugar prices have steadily increased over five years. In Karnataka, the price rose from Rs 40.25 per kg in August 2022 to Rs 53.34 in 2026, marking a 32.5 per cent increase.
Rice recorded a 27.9 per cent increase in the state over the same period, rising from Rs 48.25 to Rs 61.72 per kg. The latest rise was particularly sharp, with the price increasing by 29.9 per cent between 2025 and 2026.
Milk also became costlier, rising from Rs 43.50 per litre in 2022 to Rs 51.97 in 2026.
Not every essential has become costlier
The price trend has not been uniform. Tur dal, red chilli and turmeric have fallen from their 2024 levels. Tur dal in Karnataka declined from Rs 163.86 per kg in 2024 to Rs 121 in 2026.
The figures show that household grocery bills are being shaped by different price movements rather than a single across-the-board increase.