The demand for basmati rice has increased tremendously due to the impact of El Nino and the war situation in West Asian countries. The price of basmati rice per quintal in Punjab and Haryana has increased by more than Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000. The increase in imports for storage in Saudi Arabia and the UAE is the main reason for this price increase, said Ranjit Singh Jason, vice president of the All India Rice Exporters Association. Although the possibility of an increase in biryani prices is low at present, analysts say that prices are likely to increase in the future if demand continues like this.