Thiruvananthapuram, Wednesday, January 20, 2010: A steep rise in the prices of rice, is expected soon in the state after the movement of rice from Andhra Pradesh has come to a complete stand still.

The permit of rice distribution to Kerala was canceled by the Andhra Pradesh government ob December 31st.

The popular varieties of rice in Kerala Jaya, Sulekha is already priced Rs 23-24 per kilo this may again see a surge.

Meanwhile, illegal hoarding of rice in shops have already started.
In case of sugar, though the wholesale sugar prices have eased by 10 to 12 per cent the retail price shows no sign of softening.

Prices of essential commodities have been spiraling upwards for over three months vegetables and pulses continues to remain costly.

Experts say, the possibility of inflation touching double digits by March could not be discounted. Wholesale price-based inflation stood at 7.31% in December, shooting past RBI’s forecast of 6.5% by the end of the fiscal. Food inflation, measured separately, stood at 17.28% for week ended January 2. It had breached an 11-year record high in December at 19.83%.