NONTHABURI, Aug 28 (TNA) – Rice traders nationwide reported about 57,000 tonnes of glutinous rice in their stockpiles to the authorities after the commerce ministry ordered them to do so to prevent hoarding and price gouging.
As the glutinous rice price has risen sharply due to drought and low supply, compared to high demand, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, Jurin Laksanavisit received reports on glutinous rice stocks nationwide from 280 traders in 41 provinces.
The country’s glutinous rice stockpile stays almost 57,000 tonnes including more than 49,000 tonnes of unmilled glutinous rice grain and almost 8,000 tonnes of milled glutinous rice.
The Internal Trade Department is verifying the report to finalize the number of rice stockpile to assess the situation before rolling out measures to alleviate impacts on consumers.
The department’s director- general will today preside over the meeting to find solutions to tackle higher glutinous rice price.
One measure to be discussed is to produce packed glutinous rice at a price cheaper than the market price to be sold at the Pracharat Blue Flag shops. The priority will be given to low-income earners, who carry the government’s welfare cards. (TNA)
