New Delhi: The government on Monday said a drought-like situation in some parts of the country could affect agricultural production and may have its impact on prices of essential commodities.

"The prevailing drought conditions could affect the crop prospects and may have its impact on the prices of essential commodities, such as shortfall in domestic supplies relative to demand," food minister KV Thomas said in the Rajya Sabha.

As per the Met department, rain has been 17% deficient between June 1 and August 5, he said. Four states — Karnataka, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra — are facing drought-like situation.

Noting that prices of certain essential items have risen in last three months, Thomas said the government, however, has taken steps to tackle food inflation in view of drought-like situation in some parts of the country. According to the data place before Parliament, retail prices of some pulses, sugar, edible oil and tomato have risen in the last three months.