Tamil Nadu food prices surge amid supply shortages

Retail and wholesale prices for essential food commodities, including rice, shallots, and onions, have risen significantly across Tamil Nadu. In Chennai and surrounding regions, rice prices have surged by 10% to 37% in a single month. Specific varieties such as basmati and boiled Ponni rice have seen substantial increases, with retailers citing supply constraints and bulk purchases by agents as contributing factors.

Shallot prices have also climbed, reaching retail rates of Rs 140 per kg in Tiruchy. Traders attribute this spike to reduced arrivals caused by recent rainfall. Similarly, onion prices at Chennai’s Koyambedu wholesale market have fluctuated, with premium Nashik onions reaching Rs 60 per kg. Traders note that reduced arrivals from northern states during the Navaratri festival have impacted supply, though prices may stabilize as stocks are cleared ahead of the Deepavali festival.