Bengaluru, Sept. 16 -- Rice prices have increased again across Karnataka, with traders attributing the latest hike to inadequate rainfall, lower crop output and shortages of raw material. The latest increase is the third rise in three months, adding to the burden on consumers.

According to wholesale traders, the price of ordinary rice has increased by around Rs 5 to Rs 10 per kg, while premium varieties have become costlier by Rs 10 to Rs 20 per kg. At the wholesale level, prices have risen by around Rs 1,000 per quintal.

The price of a bag of ordinary rice has gone up by nearly Rs 200, while premium rice bags are now costing Rs 250 to Rs 300 more, traders said.

The latest revision came into effect from Tuesday. Wholesale prices are ex...