Drought conditions drive rice and toor dal prices to record highs

A prolonged dry spell has pushed prices of rice and toor dal to new highs, intensifying pressure on household budgets across the country. The shortage of rainfall has affected production of these staple commodities, leading to a sharp increase in their market value.

Hotels and food establishments are now evaluating options to increase their rates in response to elevated ingredient costs. The price surge has begun to ripple through the food service industry, which relies heavily on these essential ingredients.

The drought-driven supply constraints have raised concerns about affordability and access to basic food items for ordinary consumers. The situation underscores the vulnerability of food prices to weather-related disruptions and their cascading impact on the broader economy.