Chennai: M. Veerapandian, the state secretary of the Communist Party of India, has announced that a protest will be held across Tamil Nadu on November 3 in front of central and state government offices, urging action to control the rise in prices of essential commodities such as rice, pulses, and sugar.
In a statement issued by him, he said, “Across the country, the prices of essential food items such as rice, pulses, and sugar have risen sharply. In the southern states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, the price of rice has increased steeply.
The prices of rice varieties, including Sannarak rice, have increased by up to 50 percent. As a result, some premium rice varieties are being sold for as much as Rs. 100 per kg. Poor and middle-class families have been severely affected by this price hike.
The price of one kilogram of sugar, which was sold for Rs. 48 two months ago, has now risen to as much as Rs. 72.
It is said that sugar production has declined because large quantities of sugarcane are being used for ethanol production, and this has caused prices to rise. It is said that about 25 lakh tonnes of sugarcane have been diverted for ethanol production. In petrol
The Union government’s policy of blending 20 percent ethanol is the main reason for this. As festival seasons like Deepavali approach, the demand for sugar increases. In such a situation, any rise in its price will severely affect ordinary people. The increase in sugar prices has created the risk of tea and coffee prices rising again in hotels.
Already, the price of commercial cooking gas cylinders was sharply increased. As a result, even at roadside tea shops, the price of tea and coffee rose by Rs. 20 to 30. Now, the price of rice has also risen sharply.
This price hike has occurred due to crop damage in Karnataka, the impact on kuruvai cultivation in Tamil Nadu, hoarding, and online trading, among other reasons. Ponni rice has increased by more than Rs. 90. Idli rice has increased by up to Rs. 35. Likewise, pulses have also become more expensive. Urad dal has risen from Rs. 120 per kg to Rs. 150, gram dal from Rs. 80 to Rs. 100, and coriander from Rs. 160 to Rs. 250.
As a result, poor and ordinary people have been severely affected. The Union government and the state government must take war-footing measures to control this price rise.
All essential food items should be provided to the people at low prices through fair price shops. A protest demonstration will be held on 03.11.2026 (Tuesday) in all district headquarters across Tamil Nadu on behalf of the Communist Party of India, demanding that essential food items such as rice, lentils, and sugar be provided free of cost to people from poor families. The Tamil Nadu Executive Committee of the Communist Party of India has requested that people from all sections participate in this.
