HYDERABAD: Prices of essentials used in kitchens and at family functions have risen sharply, putting pressure on household budgets.
Gold prices have surged, while the cost of sugar, jaggery, flowers, fruits and several other commodities has also increased.
Fine-quality rice has reached ₹70 a kg, while prices of some vegetables have risen significantly.
The prices of onions, dried red chillies and garlic have also climbed, leaving middle-class and lower-middle-class consumers worried about their monthly household expenses.
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Sugar and jaggery prices rise sharply amid festive demand
Prices of sweets and ingredients used to make them have increased amid lower production and supply pressures.
Over the past six to seven weeks, sugar prices have risen from ₹42-44 a kg to ₹60-65, depending on the variety - an increase of about 50%. Jaggery prices have risen from ₹55 to ₹70-75 a kg.
With sweets and traditional dishes an integral part of festivals and family functions, the price rise has added to consumers' expenses.
Demand for flowers has also increased amid weddings, Bonalu celebrations and Shravan month rituals. Traders are raising prices in line with demand, particularly as Bonalu celebrations are held at different times in different areas.
Fine rice prices climb to ₹63-70 a kg
Fine rice prices have come as a shock to consumers. Two months ago, good-quality fine rice varieties were priced at ₹50-52 a kg. They now cost ₹63-70 a kg, depending on the variety.
Consumers are also complaining about the quality of the rice.
"Rice produced from the crop planted during the monsoon is of good quality. As millers are mixing rice from the summer crop with it, the percentage of broken rice is increasing," said a trader from Nagole.