The price increase comes amid concerns over the availability of fine rice varieties, higher paddy prices and uncertainty over future crop production

By Newsmeter Network

Hyderabad: With fine rice prices rising sharply and concerns mounting over future supplies, the Telangana government has warned rice millers and wholesale traders against hoarding stocks or creating artificial shortages to push up prices.

Officials have cautioned that violations will invite strict legal action, while the government may open special rice sales counters depending on market conditions.

What are the current prices?

Fine rice prices in Telangana have reportedly reached Rs 80–82 per kg, up from around Rs 70 earlier, while a 25-kg bag has risen from approximately Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,150. The price rise has increased concerns over the affordability of a staple food for households.

The warning was issued at a high-level meeting at Civil Supplies Bhavan in Hyderabad, chaired by Civil Supplies Director GV Shyam Prasad Lal on the instructions of Civil Supplies Commissioner M Stephen Raveendra, IPS.

Major rice millers and wholesale traders from Miryalaguda, Nizamabad and Nalgonda attended the meeting.

Why rice prices are rising

The price increase comes amid concerns over the availability of fine rice varieties, higher paddy prices and uncertainty over future crop production.

Adverse weather conditions and the possibility of reduced production have also raised concerns about future supplies.

Meanwhile, the pace of government paddy procurement has emerged as another concern, with procurement centres opening gradually and private traders purchasing paddy directly from farmers.

These factors have heightened concerns over the availability of rice in the coming months, although the extent to which each has contributed to retail price increases remains unclear.

Officials warn against withholding stocks

At the Hyderabad meeting, officials pointed out that rice stocks currently available in the market belong to the previous season and said there was no justification for sharply increasing prices on that basis.

Millers and traders were warned against withholding stocks in warehouses or deliberately restricting supplies to create artificial shortages. The department said strict legal action would be taken against those found engaging in such practices.

The government has stressed that consumers should not face additional financial hardship because of practices intended to maximise traders’ profits.

Special rice sales counters may be opened

Depending on market conditions, the government may establish special counters to sell rice directly to consumers. Officials have asked millers to cooperate and ensure uninterrupted supplies to these outlets if they are set up.

The move would provide the government with another option to support consumers if market conditions warrant intervention.

Govt monitors stocks and supplies

The state has also been reviewing its rice reserves to ensure sufficient supplies for the Public Distribution System (PDS) and other welfare schemes.

The Civil Supplies Department will continue monitoring market conditions, stock availability and prices.

Officials have urged traders to cooperate with the government in preventing supply disruptions and ensuring that essential food commodities remain accessible to consumers.

Published Date: October 29, 2026