Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Indian rice prices rise as demand and supply tighten
Rice has become more expensive in India.
Basmati rice, often used in biryani, rose to about Rs 100 per kilogram.
Sona Masoori rice also became more expensive.
Countries around the world are buying more rice to protect their food supplies.
Gulf countries are buying large amounts from India.
There is not much old rice left, and the next crop is still two or three months away.
Some government purchases and uneven rainfall are also keeping prices high.
Prices may fall only after new crops arrive and international buying slows.
Basmati rice prices rose to about Rs 100 per kg in the first quarter of FY27, from Rs 85 last year.
Sona Masoori prices increased from Rs 51–52 to Rs 63–64 per kg.
Exporters said countries, especially Gulf nations, are aggressively securing rice supplies.
India exported a record 6.52 million tonnes of basmati rice to 154 countries in FY26.
Prices may remain elevated until the next kharif crop arrives, rainfall improves and overseas demand moderates.
- Who
- Indian rice consumers, exporters, government procurement agencies and overseas buyers, particularly Gulf countries, are involved.
- What
- Basmati and non-basmati rice prices have risen sharply, with reported increases of about 20% and 25%, respectively.
- When
- The reported comparison covers the first quarter of FY27 against the same period last year; prices are expected to remain elevated in the immediate term.
- Where
- The price pressure is centered in India, while export demand is coming from Gulf and other overseas markets.
- Why
- Strong global demand, limited carry-over stocks, government procurement, uneven rainfall and disruptions to Gulf shipping and payments are supporting higher prices.
Export-demand explanation
Domestic-supply explanation
Main cause of higher prices
Export-demand explanation
Exporters said countries are aggressively buying rice to secure food supplies, with Gulf countries purchasing large quantities from India.
Domestic-supply explanation
Other exporters said domestic prices are being driven mainly by tight carry-over stocks, government procurement and uneven rainfall, rather than exports alone.
Meaning of shipping disruptions
Export-demand explanation
High overseas demand remains strong despite payment and shipping problems along the Gulf corridor, creating a backlog of demand.
Domestic-supply explanation
The disruptions have slowed shipments, suggesting that export demand has not fully translated into completed deliveries, while domestic supply remains the immediate constraint.
- Basmati price
- About Rs 100 per kg in the first quarter of FY27, compared with Rs 85 per kg a year earlier.
- Sona Masoori price
- Rs 63–64 per kg, up from Rs 51–52 per kg last year.
- India’s FY26 basmati exports
- 6.52 million tonnes shipped to 154 countries.
- Largest buyer
- Saudi Arabia was identified as India’s largest basmati buyer.
- Supply outlook
- The next kharif crop is expected to arrive in roughly two to three months.
- Factors delaying relief
- Strong overseas buying, government procurement, uneven rainfall and Gulf shipping and payment disruptions.