Patna: Prices of essential food items including sugar, onions and flour have risen above the rates fixed by the Bihar Department of Food and Consumer Protection, increasing the pressure on household budgets ahead of the festive season.
The department’s rates issued on August 20 show a clear gap between government-fixed prices and prevailing market rates in Patna.
According to the department, the wholesale rate for sugar is Rs 54 per kg, onions Rs 33 and flour Rs 30. The corresponding retail rates are Rs 57, Rs 41 and Rs 34 per kg.
Market Prices Remain Higher
In the wholesale market, sugar is currently selling at around Rs 64 per kg, while onions are priced at Rs 44 and flour at Rs 40-42.
Retail prices are higher still, with sugar selling for Rs 70-72 per kg, onions for Rs 55-60 and flour for Rs 50-52.
Against the government-fixed retail rates, sugar is therefore selling Rs 13-15 higher per kg. The gap for onions stands at Rs 14-19, while flour is Rs 16-18 more expensive.
In the wholesale market, sugar is about Rs 10 above the fixed rate, onions Rs 11 higher and flour Rs 10-12 higher.
Festive Demand Adds To Consumer Concerns
Food demand generally rises during the festive season, increasing concerns over further pressure on household budgets.
The higher prices of commonly used items such as sugar, flour and onions are adding to monthly expenses for consumers, particularly as festive purchases increase.
Ramesh Talreja, general secretary of the Retailers’ Federation, said wholesale prices were already high, which would inevitably affect retail prices.
He called for closer monitoring of market prices and supply conditions to prevent unnecessary price increases and provide relief to consumers.
