Kerala 17th in rice price inflation; Centre's data contradicts claims of abnormal price rise

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 15 (UNI) Kerala ranks 17th among States and union Territories in retail rice price inflation, with the rate remaining significantly below the national average, according to data released by the union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The State Food and Civil Supplies Department dismissed reports of an unprecedented rise in rice prices as misleading. Citing the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures released by the union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation for October, the department said Kerala recorded rice price inflation of 8.54 per cent against the national average of 12.51 per cent. The State ranked…