New Delhi: Although the crisis in West Asia has intensified once again—with the renewed Iran-US conflict rendering the Strait of Hormuz unsafe for commercial shipping—Indian markets witnessed robust trading and a rise in prices for paddy and rice during the week of July 4–10. Market arrivals currently consist primarily of Basmati and 'A' grade non-Basmati paddy.

Overall, paddy supplies are limited to specific markets, including Narela, Bhatapara, Rajim, Shahjahanpur, Jahangirabad, Khair, Dibai, Kota, and Bundi.

Paddy supplies in Uttar Pradesh markets had previously dropped significantly, but arrivals began to pick up following indications of rising prices. During the week of July 4–10, daily paddy arrivals reached 10,000 bags in Jahangirabad, 20,000 bags in Shahjahanpur, 800–1,000 bags in Aligarh, 5,000 bags in Khair, and 8,000 bags in Dibai.

Substantial quantities of paddy also reached the Kota-Bundi region. Similarly, normal arrival levels were maintained in the Bhatapara and Rajim markets, with prices rising by ₹100–200 per quintal across most markets.

Regarding rice, there was significant interest from out-of-town traders and exporters; however, prices for certain categories and varieties of rice in Amritsar, Punjab, saw a sharp decline of ₹250–350 per quintal. Exporters showed little active interest in purchasing rice in that region. Uncertainty surrounding the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz has raised concerns about potential disruptions to Indian Basmati rice exports to West Asia, the Middle East, and the Gulf region. While rice prices remained subdued in Bundi, a mixed trend was observed at Delhi's Naya Bazar.