Rice Prices in Pakistan Today (per KG) - April 26, 2026
Last Updated: • 8 min read
Super Kernel Basmati
Premium Retail Price
Irri-6 (Daily Use)
Common Rice Price
Pakistan is one of the world's largest rice exporters, known globally for its premium Super Kernel Basmati (1121) variety. Whether you're a household cook looking for the perfect biryani rice or a bulk buyer seeking rice prices in Pakistan today for commercial purposes, understanding the market rates helps you make informed purchasing decisions.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Rice Varieties & Today's Prices in Pakistan
Pakistan produces and trades several rice varieties, each serving different purposes. The most common rice prices in Pakistan today by variety are:
| Rice Variety | Wholesale Price | Retail Price | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Kernel Basmati (1121) | Rs. 185 - 220/kg | Rs. 200 - 250/kg | Biryani, Pulao, Premium dishes |
| Extra Long Basmati (PK-386) | Rs. 165 - 190/kg | Rs. 180 - 210/kg | Biryani, Fried rice |
| Regular Basmati | Rs. 130 - 155/kg | Rs. 145 - 175/kg | Pulao, Plain rice |
| Irri-6 (Long Grain) | Rs. 85 - 105/kg | Rs. 95 - 120/kg | Daily cooking, Exports |
| Irri-9 | Rs. 90 - 110/kg | Rs. 100 - 125/kg | Daily cooking, Biryani base |
| Broken Rice (Khewra) | Rs. 65 - 80/kg | Rs. 75 - 90/kg | Porridge, Animal feed, Suji |
| Brown Rice | Rs. 120 - 145/kg | Rs. 135 - 160/kg | Health food, Diet |
| Steam Basmati | Rs. 140 - 165/kg | Rs. 155 - 185/kg | Daily cooking, Export |
Note: Prices vary by city and dealer. Karachi typically has 5-10% higher prices due to import logistics. Rural Punjab (Lahore, Gujranwala) offers the best rates due to proximity to rice mills.
Top Rice Brands in Pakistan
Pakistani rice brands vary from premium exporters to everyday consumer packages:
Type: Premium Basmati
Type: Super Kernel
Type: Basmati
Type: Irri-6 & Basmati
Type: Irri-6
Type: Masala Rice
Rice Export Prices (FOB Karachi)
Pakistan exports millions of tons of rice annually, primarily to Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, and UAE. Export prices are quoted FOB (Free on Board) Karachi port:
| Variety | FOB Karachi/MT | Trend (Week) |
|---|---|---|
| Super Kernel (1121) | $900 - 1,100/ton | Stable |
| Irri-6 (5% Broken) | $480 - 520/ton | ▲ Up 2% |
| Irri-9 (5% Broken) | $500 - 540/ton | Stable |
| Broken Rice (100% | $380 - 420/ton | ▼ Down 1% |
How to Choose the Right Rice for Your Kitchen
- For Biryani: Use Super Kernel Basmati (1121) or PK-386 — these grains elongate to 2x their original length when cooked, giving biryani that restaurant-style appearance.
- For Daily Cooking: Irri-6 or regular Basmati work well. They're more affordable and cook faster.
- For Pulao: Extra Long Basmati or PK-386 — similar to biryani rice but slightly less oily.
- For Fried Rice: Day-old cooked Basmati works best. Use slightly older rice as fresh rice becomes mushy when fried.
- For Porridge/Kanji: Broken rice (Khewra) — cooks into a smooth, creamy texture ideal for convalescent diets.
Storage Tips: Keep Rice Fresh for Months
- Use Airtight Containers: Transfer rice to food-grade plastic or metal containers with tight lids. This prevents moisture and pest entry.
- Cool & Dry Location: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat accelerates rancidity in any oils present.
- Add Bay Leaves: Placing 2-3 bay leaves in the container repels weevils and insects naturally.
- Never Wash Before Storing: Moisture accelerates fungal growth. Only wash rice right before cooking.
- Vacuum Sealing: For bulk storage (25-50kg bags), vacuum sealing extends shelf life to 2+ years.
- Do Not Freeze: Rice contains minimal moisture and freezes poorly, causing grain fractures. Room temperature storage in airtight containers is sufficient for up to 1 year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of rice in Pakistan today?
Rice prices in Pakistan vary by type: Super Kernel Basmati (1121) ranges from Rs. 180 to Rs. 220 per kg, Irri-6 ranges from Rs. 85 to Rs. 110 per kg, and regular Basmati ranges from Rs. 130 to Rs. 160 per kg.
Which rice brand is best in Pakistan?
Top rice brands in Pakistan include Guard Rice, Fengate, Kohinoor, and Sitara. For export quality, Super Kernel (1121) from Punjab is considered the best for biryani and pulao.
Why is basmati rice so expensive in Pakistan?
Basmati rice (especially Super Kernel 1121) is expensive due to its unique elongated grain, distinct aroma, limited growing region (Punjab), low yield per acre (1200-1400 kg), high processing costs, and strong export demand from Middle East.
What is the difference between Irri-6 and Basmati rice?
Irri-6 is a long-grain non-basmati variety with higher yield (4000-5000 kg/acre), shorter grain, and no aroma. Basmati is premium, aromatic, lower yield, and commands 2-3x higher price. Irri-6 is preferred for everyday cooking and exports to African countries.