The price rise is attributed to export permission given by government to basmati traders
Biryani aficionados are now shelling out more money to savour their favourite dish. The reason: increase in the prices of basmati rice.
The fine variety of basmati rice is now sold at Rs. 95 a kg in the market, 40 per cent higher than the price prevailing some three months ago.
‘Low profits’
As a result most of the biryani joints in the city have increased the prices by at least ten rupees per plate in the last one month.
“We took the decision after carefully examining various factors like increase in prices of rice, meat, oil etc., We are running the business on low profits,” says Mohammed Saleem, president, Twin Cities Hotel Owners Association.
The price rise is attributed to export permission given by government to basmati traders.
After the government announced relaxation on export, most of the mill-owners have diverted large quantities of rice to international market.
Hence the city has received short supplies leading to price increase, it is said. The basmati variety of rice is mainly sourced by the traders from Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Off season
Generally its prices surge from May to November which is considered an off season. “But this year the prices have shot up steeply breaking the record in the last three years,” says Raj Kumar of Kashmir House, a store which deals in basmati rice in Begum Bazaar.
The finest variety is now priced at Rs. 95 a kg while other brands are available between Rs. 55 and Rs. 90. Usually basmati rice can be had for Rs. 35 to Rs. 70 a kg, adds Mr. Kumar.
Preferred ingredient
Biryani, if cooked using basmati rice tastes good and is quite aromatic.
“Therefore, most of the hoteliers prefer it over other variety of rice”, says Mohammed Irfan of Shah Ghouse Hotel.
Keywords: basmati rice, price hike
