Rice Price in Pakistan 2026: Basmati and IRRI Rates
The rice price in Pakistan touches every household, from daily meals to wedding biryani. With several popular varieties — super basmati, kainat 1121, IRRI-6 and more — retail rates vary widely by quality, season and city. As of 15 October 2026, branded basmati ranges from Rs 350 to Rs 450 per kg, while economy varieties sell for much less.
Rice Price in Pakistan: Basmati Rates Today
Basmati is the premium variety, and its retail value reflects that. Current market data for October 2026 shows:
- Super basmati (new) 40 kg: Rs 5,300 to Rs 5,650 white, up to Rs 6,500 steam
- Kainat 1121 40 kg: around Rs 6,150 white, Rs 7,050 sella
- Retail super kainat: about Rs 160 per kg from wholesale sellers in Islamabad
- Branded retail packs: Rs 350 to Rs 450 per kg
- Old super basmati 40 kg: Rs 4,900 to Rs 5,300, a premium for aged grain
Basmati values move with the export season. Pakistan is one of the world’s top basmati exporters, and demand from the Gulf, Europe and North America keeps premium varieties expensive. The weekly Sensitive Price Indicator published by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics tracks rice alongside other staples — see the 8 October 2026 SPI report for the national picture.
IRRI-6 and Economy Varieties
For budget households, IRRI-6 and other coarse varieties set the floor of the market. IRRI-6 trades around Rs 3,300 to Rs 3,850 per 40 kg at mandi level, while supri and C9 range from Rs 3,700 to Rs 4,150 per 40 kg. A 1 kg pack of economy rice generally costs Rs 200 to Rs 300 at retail. Variety-wise retail lists are maintained by trackers such as WhatIsPrice’s rice page, updated for major cities.
Why Rice Rates Change Through the Year
Local rates respond to harvest cycles, export demand, storage costs and fuel prices. The kharif harvest brings a seasonal dip, while values typically climb in the lean months before the next crop. Exports also pull local stocks upward: when exporters pay more for kainat 1121 and super basmati, retail tags follow. Currency movements matter too — a weaker rupee makes exports more attractive, tightening domestic supply. For how food costs feed into the wider economy, read our inflation in Pakistan guide.
City-Wise Shopping Differences
Rice costs more in Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta than in the producing districts of Punjab and upper Sindh, because of transport and handling. Buying from wholesale grain markets (ghalla mandis) in Lahore, Gujranwala or Hyderabad is usually cheaper per kg than neighbourhood karyana stores. The rice price gap between producing and consuming districts can reach Rs 30-50 per kg on the same variety. Online grocery platforms now publish daily comparisons, so a quick check before ordering can save Rs 20-50 per kg on branded packs. Fuel-driven transport costs also play a role — see our petrol price updates.
Tips for Buying at the Best Value
To pay less, buy in bulk during harvest months (November to January) when rates dip, and store in airtight containers. Compare per-kg values between 20 kg and 40 kg bags — bulk packs are usually cheaper. For everyday cooking, mixing basmati with IRRI-6 or supri stretches the budget without a big taste compromise. Always check the grain for aroma and age: old basmati (purana chawal) costs more but cooks longer and tastes better, which is why aged super basmati trades at a clear premium over new. Comparing the rice price across two or three sellers takes minutes and saves real money on every bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rice price in Pakistan today?
As of 15 October 2026, the retail rice price in Pakistan is Rs 350-450 per kg for basmati, Rs 160-200 per kg for kainat wholesale, and Rs 200-300 per kg for IRRI-6 and other economy varieties.
Which rice is cheapest in Pakistan?
IRRI-6 and supri are among the cheapest varieties, with mandi rates around Rs 3,300-4,150 per 40 kg — roughly Rs 200-300 per kg at retail.
Why is basmati rice so expensive?
Basmati commands a premium because of its aroma, long grain and strong export demand. Old basmati costs even more due to ageing and better cooking quality.
Does the rate change seasonally?
Yes. Values typically fall after the kharif harvest (November-January) and rise in the lean months when stocks tighten.
When should I buy rice in bulk?
November to January is the cheapest window; check the rice price in your city mandi before stocking up for the year.
Frequently Asked Questions: Rice Price in Pakistan 2026
Rice price in Pakistan splits between premium basmati and everyday IRRI varieties. The rice price pakistan today reflects harvest cycles, export demand and retail margins.
Basmati and IRRI rates
The basmati rice price per kg runs several times higher than coarse varieties, driven by export demand and longer cultivation. The irri rice rate pakistan suits daily household cooking at a fraction of the cost. Buying the rice price 5kg bag packs from wholesalers cuts per-kg cost versus small retail packs. Rice price pakistan today peaks before new harvest arrivals and softens after.
Buying tips
Compare rice price across wholesale markets and supermarkets — gaps of 10-15% are common. Check grain length and aroma for basmati authenticity, since blending is widespread. For monthly budgeting, the basmati rice price per kg trend matters less than choosing the right variety for each dish.
Basmati grades and export quality
Not all basmati commands the same basmati rice price per kg: extra-long grain, aged rice and certified export grades sit at the top, while broken or mixed lots sell cheaper. Export demand lifts the domestic rice price pakistan today when international buyers compete for the crop. The irri rice rate pakistan stays steadier since it serves the mass domestic market. When buying the rice price 5kg bag options, check packaging dates — old stock loses aroma even if the rice price looks attractive. Farmers watch these same price signals to decide next season’s sowing mix.
Storage and bulk buying
Buy post-harvest when the rice price pakistan today softens, and store in airtight containers away from moisture. Bulk buying at the right season beats chasing small discounts year-round.
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