As rice prices spike, traders warned against creating artificial shortage

Chief Rationing Officer G.V. Shyam Prasad Lal at a meeting with rice traders in Hyderabad on Tuesday.

As the prices of rice increased in Hyderabad and other urban areas, along with other parts of Telangana, the State Civil Supplies department officials cautioned wholesalers and retailers in the city not to create artificial scarcity for the food grains.

Chief Rationing Officer G.V. Shyam Prasad Lal said that action would be taken as per law against illegal business practices.

Hyderabad District Civil Supplies Officer K. Srinivas inspecting rice stock

The cost per kg of some varieties of rice has risen from around ₹45 to ₹80-₹85. People from poor backgrounds said that the increasing prices has increased their monthly budget for groceries and burdening them financially. They feared it would reach ₹100 per kg.

At a meeting with the wholesalers and retailers on Tuesday, the Chief Rationing officer reviewed the available rice stocks, prices and other aspects. It was attended by Hyderabad District Civil Supplies Officer K. Srinivas. In Medchal, the meeting was held by the District Civil Supplies Officer M. Srinivas Reddy.

The Chief Rationing Officer directed the traders to display boards at the outlets with details on rice variety, stock available, price per kg. The details have to be updated regularly. Officials have to be alerted if there are gaps in supply. He said that the Department will monitor the stocks and prices.