Inflation emptying pockets

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The price of rice, groceries, and vegetables is skyrocketing. Even though the price of everyday essential commodities has risen, the market intervention has not been successful. Within two months the price of rice rose by Rs.20-25. The Rs.38 Jaya, matta rice is now Rs.57-59. The price of Surekha rice has risen by Rs.9 to reach Rs.46.

The traders are saying that the reason for the price rise is because the production has reduced in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, and also due to the rise in GST. Though Supplyco is selling rice at a subsidized price of Rs.25, only 10 kg of rice can be obtained on a single ration card.

Subsidized rice is not always available in Maveli stores. The state is producing below 10% of the total rice consumption.

The price of groceries is also rising. The price of salt, pepper, and lentil has risen. The price of green gram which was Rs.96 two months ago is now at Rs.110. The price of salt has risen by Rs.5.

The price rise usually seen during the Onam season has not gone down yet. Price of some items have softened but many other commodity prices are running high. The price of vegetables is also rising in the past two weeks. Even after the Agriculture department is saying that the production of homegrown vegetables is increasing, it is not being reflected in the markets.