Rice Prices Continue to Rise Across Punjab, Consumers Worried
Lahore / Faisalabad: Rice prices across Punjab have entered a sharp upward cycle, intensifying concerns among households as one of Pakistan’s most consumed staple foods becomes increasingly expensive. Over the past few weeks, the price of a 25-kilogram rice bag has jumped by nearly Rs. 400, pushing retail rates to their highest levels at the start of January 2026.
Market surveys from Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Sialkot indicate that the hike is broad-based, affecting both premium Basmati varieties and lower-grade broken rice commonly consumed by low-income families.
Current Rice Prices in Punjab (January 2026)
Retail prices vary by city and quality, but the overall trend shows sustained inflation:
- New Basmati Rice: Rs. 288 – 305 per kg
- Super Basmati (Old Stock): Rs. 340 – 350 per kg
- Kainat 1121 (Steam): Above Rs. 300 per kg in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad
- Tota / Broken Rice: Rs. 215 – 225 per kg
Traders confirm that compared to late 2025, an average household is now paying Rs. 1,800 to Rs. 2,000 more for a standard 25-kg bag of good-quality rice.
Why Are Rice Prices Increasing in Punjab?
Market experts and wholesalers point to four major drivers behind the current surge:
1. Impact of 2025 Floods
Severe monsoon flooding in late 2025 damaged large parts of Punjab’s rice belt, particularly Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Narowal. Preliminary assessments suggest a 12%–16% decline in overall rice output, tightening supply at the very start of the new year.
2. Export Pressure
To support foreign exchange reserves, the federal government has prioritized rice exports. While exports strengthen the trade balance, they also reduce domestic availability, pushing prices higher in local markets.
3. Rising Input Costs
Farmers and millers are facing sharply higher costs:
- Fertilizers
- Certified seed
- Diesel and transport
These costs are being passed directly to consumers through higher retail prices.
4. Hoarding Ahead of Ramadan
There are growing concerns that some wholesalers are deliberately holding back old Super Basmati stocks to sell at premium rates during Ramadan 2026, when demand traditionally spikes.
Impact on the Common Consumer
Rice is Pakistan’s second most important staple after wheat, making the price hike especially painful for middle- and lower-income families already burdened by rising electricity, gas, and flour prices.
“Just a few months ago, a decent 25-kg bag cost around Rs. 5,500. Now the same quality is touching Rs. 7,500. For a daily-wage laborer, even a basic meal is becoming unaffordable,”
— Shopper at a Lahore grain market
For households consuming rice daily, the increase is directly cutting into monthly food budgets.
Government & Official Position
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics recently reported a modest weekly rise of around 0.41% in “Rice Basmati Broken.” However, retailers argue that on-ground prices have climbed much faster than official averages suggest.
The issue has been placed before the National Price Monitoring Committee, and provincial authorities in Punjab have been urged to:
- Intensify inspections of grain mandis
- Act against illegal hoarding
- Ensure transparent stock declarations by wholesalers
There are also renewed calls for expanding subsidized rice sales through Utility Stores, especially ahead of Ramadan.
What Happens Next?
With Ramadan 2026 expected in mid-February, demand for rice is likely to increase further. If supply pressures persist and hoarding is not effectively controlled, traders warn that prices could climb even higher in the coming weeks.
Consumers are urging the Punjab government to intervene through:
- Temporary price caps
- Market releases from public stocks
- Stronger enforcement against profiteering
Conclusion
The ongoing rise in rice prices across Punjab reflects a combination of climate shocks, export-driven supply pressure, rising production costs, and market manipulation fears. Unless corrective measures are taken quickly, rice—once considered a relatively affordable staple—may become increasingly out of reach for ordinary households.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the price of 40 kg rice in Pakistan today?
Depending on quality, a 40-kg equivalent now ranges roughly between Rs. 13,500 and Rs. 16,000 in Punjab.
What is the rice price in Punjab today?
Basmati varieties range from Rs. 288 to Rs. 350 per kg, while broken rice is around Rs. 215–225 per kg.
Why has the price of rice increased?
Flood damage, higher exports, increased farming costs, and hoarding ahead of Ramadan are the main reasons.
What is the government rate of rice in Punjab?
There is currently no strictly enforced official retail rate, though discussions are ongoing about intervention and subsidized supply.
