Bengaluru: The Rice Mill Owners Association has given a strict warning to the government on increasing the price by Rs 5-10 per kg rice, if electricity rates are not reduced.
While the Government is struggling to provide 10 kg of free rice under the Anna Bhagya scheme, on the other hand, common people are worried about the rise in the price of rice. The rice mills of the state have doubled the price of electricity and the Rice Mill Association has warned the Government to increase the price of rice exported by Rs 5-10 per kg.
They have warned that if the problem of rice mill owners is not addressed and the electricity bill is not reduced, the price of rice will be increased by Rs. 400-800 per quintal.
There are about 2,000 rice mills in the state, producing 30 to 40 metric tonnes of rice per year. Rice mill owners are facing financial hardship due to high electricity bills. There is also concern that the price will increase by Rs. 15 within the next week.
The wholesale price of rice has seen an increase for the last 15 days and will become more expensive within the next week. While the Government is struggling to procure enough rice for the Anna Bhagya Yojana, consumers are worried about the impact of the rice price hike and have expressed their displeasure against the Government.