Prices of basmati rice, edible oils and pulses increases ahead of festive season.

Byline: S. Kamal Hayder Kazmi

Prices of basmati rice, edible oils, and pulses are skyrocketing as the festive season approaches, putting a damper on consumer. The basmati and pulse crops have been harmed by dry spells in August followed by heavy rains in September. The wholesale price of the 1509 basmati rice variety used in biryani increased by 36% compared to the previous festive season. Rains have damaged the quality of pulses, and certain kinds of pulses have seen price increases ranging from 10% to 12%. However, edible...