NONTHABURI, Sept 9 (TNA) – The Commerce Ministry will start distribution of glutinous rice packs, cheaper than the market prices on Sept 11 to help low-income consumers in the wake of the all-time high price of glutinous rice.
As the glutinous rice price has risen sharply due to drought and low supply, compared to high demand, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanavisit said the first lot of discounted packs will be released to the market at the Pracharat Blue Flag shops on Sept 11 and will be available at the Blue Flag shops nationwide later this month.
The priority will be given to low-income earners, who carry the government’s welfare cards.
Supachai Vorraapinyaporn, president of Tanasan Rice Group, one of the country’s top rice exporters said the Internal Trade Department signed a contract agreement to hire his company to produce packaged glutinous rice at special prices to help consumers. His company is producing 300,000 glutinous rice packs, which will be available at 70 baht for two kg. packs and 175 baht for five kg. packs.
The prices are 10-15 baht lower than the normal price in the market.
The production of the glutinous rice packs is expected to be completed by Sept 17 and they will be delivered to the Blue Flag shops within this month.
By next week, the first lot of glutinous rice packs will be sent to the blue flag shops in Pathum Thani province.
The Internal Trade Department will speed up distributing them to other provinces to alleviate impacts on consumers nationwide. (TNA)
