Karnataka Sees Price Rise in Essentials Amid Middle East Crisis

Bengaluru: Due to the ongoing Middle East crisis, the prices of essential items have risen, impacting daily expenses for residents across Karnataka. Cooking gas, petrol, diesel, CNG, gold, and silver have all seen price increases. Additionally, grocery prices have surged with rice prices rising by Rs. 2 to Rs. 3 per kilogram following higher transportation costs. The Bengaluru APMC has increased rates for all types of rice, and pulses such as tor dal, urad dal, and ground nut dal have gone up by Rs. 1 to Rs. 2 per kilogram.



Vegetables and fruits have also become more expensive in many markets. Public transportation fares, including private bus tickets, are expected to rise by 10 to 20 percent. Ride services like Ola and Uber, as well as school vans, are planning fare hikes, potentially increasing school vehicle charges by 10 percent. Meanwhile, the gold business has slowed significantly following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to avoid purchasing gold for one year during the crisis. Gold traders on Avenue Road in Bengaluru and markets in Shivamogga and Hassan report sharp declines in sales, causing financial strain on jewellers, gold polishers, designers, smelters, and related businesses. The price of 10 grams of pure gold has dropped by Rs. 980, and silver prices have fallen by Rs. 10,000.