Another blow to household budgets: Chakki atta Rs 3, branded flour Rs 1 costlier; sugar touches Rs 75, mustard oil prices also rise
PTC Web Desk: The rising prices of essential kitchen items are putting additional pressure on household budgets, particularly for middle- and lower-income families.
After a recent increase in sugar prices, flour has also become more expensive in the retail market. The price of chakki atta has increased by around Rs 3 per kg, while branded flour has become costlier by about Rs 1 per kg.
As per the Punjab Roller Flour Mills Association, the rise in flour prices is being seen across the country.
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The Centre procured around 122 lakh tonne of wheat from Punjab during the procurement season, accounting for nearly 98 per cent of the state's total production. With millers' stocks now largely exhausted, they are having to source wheat from other states, increasing their costs.
Punjab is both a major wheat-producing and consuming state. It has now urged the Centre to introduce a separate policy to address the state's requirements.
It is learnt that wheat is being purchased at around Rs 2,800 per quintal, compared with the minimum support price of Rs 2,585 per quintal during April. The increase in wheat prices has also affected branded flour. According to market sellers, some companies have raised the price of a 10-kg flour pack from Rs 489 to Rs 500.
Retailers are also charging more for loose and locally packed flour.
Flour is not the only kitchen essential that has become more expensive. Sugar is currently selling at around Rs 70-75 per kg in the market.
Mustard oil prices have also risen sharply over the past month. Loose mustard oil, which was earlier available for around Rs 140 per litre, is now selling at nearly Rs 180 per litre. Branded mustard oil prices have reached around Rs 220 per litre.
For families already dealing with higher fuel and cooking gas costs, the latest increase in food prices is adding to the financial burden.
- PTC NEWS
