Households across Karnataka are grappling with a fresh rise in living costs as food inflation, expensive cooking fuel and concerns over global geopolitical tensions continue to push up everyday expenses.
Among essential commodities, rice has witnessed one of the sharpest price increases in recent months. Popular varieties such as Sona Masoori, Sona Steam, Kolam and raw rice have become costlier by Rs 6 to Rs 10 per kg, increasing the cost of a standard family rice bag by nearly Rs 150 to Rs 250.
Export demand pushes up rice prices
Traders attribute the surge to strong export demand, reduced summer arrivals and higher transportation costs.
Unlike previous years, rice exports continued well beyond the traditional January-February period and extended into April. Large quantities of Karnataka-grown rice were shipped to international markets, particularly Malaysia and Sri Lanka, reducing availability in the domestic market.
Fresh harvest stocks have yet to fully reach retailers, forcing traders to depend on existing inventories.
The price rise has affected multiple varieties. Basmati rice has become costlier by Rs 5 to Rs 6 per kg, while dosa rice, idli rice and boiled rice have also recorded increases.
According to traders, such steep hikes are unusual during this period of the year, with wholesale rice prices typically increasing by only Rs 1 to Rs 2 per kg between April and June.
Fuel costs add to pressure
Consumers are also struggling with high cooking fuel costs. While a standard 14.2-kg LPG cylinder works out to around Rs 66 per kg, users of 5-kg cylinders pay nearly Rs 167 per kg.
The smaller cylinders are commonly used by migrant workers, daily wage earners and families without permanent residential documentation, making the burden particularly severe for lower-income households.
Schools and families feel the impact
Government schools are also facing challenges. Headmasters say allocations under nutrition programmes have not kept pace with rising egg prices, forcing schools to absorb additional costs.
Economists warn that rising food prices, transportation expenses and volatility in global energy markets could keep household budgets under pressure in the coming months, leaving families with little immediate relief.