Hyderabad: Rice has become significantly costlier in Telangana in recent months, with prices rising faster than the national average. While experts say hoarding by private players is driving up prices, traders cite concerns over crop yields amid a possible El Niño impact. If the crop is good in the coming months, prices will come down,” said Chinnapu Reddy of the Telangana Rice Millers Association. It said that there are three possible scenarios for the global rice market. In the worst-case scenario, the study said, global prices could double due to export restrictions and panic buying.