Patna: Prices of essential food items have risen sharply across Bihar, including in the state capital, Patna, with traders reporting frequent fluctuations in retail rates of pulses and rice over the past few weeks.
Market data from wholesale and retail traders indicates that pulses have seen an increase of up to Rs 5 per kg, while rice varieties have recorded a sharper rise of nearly Rs 10 per kg in several local markets.
Pulse Prices Show Mixed Movement
In Patna’s Mansoorganj market, chana dal is currently being sold between Rs 70 and Rs 72 per kg, up from Rs 66–Rs 68 per kg earlier. Arhar dal has risen to Rs 108–Rs 110 per kg, while urad dal is now priced between Rs 108 and Rs 112 per kg.
Masoor dal has also seen an increase of around Rs 5 per kg in recent weeks.
However, moong dal has registered a slight decline. Traders attribute this to fresh arrivals from the new harvest season. Prices have eased to Rs 90–Rs 92 per kg from Rs 95–Rs 96 per kg earlier.
Rice Prices Record Steeper Increase
The sharpest rise has been observed in rice prices in Maharajganj market. Traders report continuous upward movement in rates over recent days.
‘Seven Star’ rice is now selling at Rs 47–Rs 48 per kg, compared to around Rs 40 per kg earlier. Usna Sonam (parboiled) rice has also climbed to Rs 62–Rs 63 per kg. Other varieties, including half-steam and super usna rice, have similarly become costlier.
Traders Cite Supply Practices and Shortages
Market traders have alleged irregular supply practices by some rice millers, claiming that intermittent stock shortages are being reported before sudden price hikes.
They also said that limited regulatory oversight has contributed to market instability, allowing frequent price adjustments without consistent supply flow.
Transport Costs Add Further Pressure
Traders have also pointed to rising transportation costs as an additional factor driving price increases. Freight charges have reportedly gone up by Rs 50 to Rs 80 per quintal for goods arriving from outside Bihar.
Local transport expenses have also increased, further pushing up retail prices of daily essentials.
The combined impact of supply fluctuations and rising logistics costs is being reflected directly in household budgets, with consumers increasingly opting for smaller quantities of essential food items.
