THE Consumer Affairs Department under the Ministry of Commerce stated that reasonable market prices of rice for December have been announced, and non-compliance with that is subject to legal action.
The Ministry of Commerce issued reasonable prices for all varieties such as non-premium rice (Aemahta, Ngasein, Sinthukha, Ngasein Yakyaw, Kayinma, Yadanatoe, Tunpu, GW-11, 747, Theepu, Shweman, and Nankauk among others), locally consumed and export-designated rice groups (Zeeya, Ngwetoe, Shweman, Shwethwe, Hmawby-2 and Hmawby-3, 90-day short matured rice, and Manawthukha among others), moderate quality rice produced from Ayeyawady, Bago and Yangon regions (Magyantaw, Ayeyamin, Ayeyapadetha rice varieties), high-quality rice from Mandalay, Magway, Sagaing, Nay Pyi Taw and upper Myanmar regions, and premium Pawsan rice ( Ayeyawady Pawsan, Shwebo Pawsan). The retailers are not allowed to make profits more than eight per cent of the set reasonable market prices, the ministry announced.
The ministry determined reasonable market prices by considering the following factors; fair profit for the farmers, millers and distributors, reasonable prices for consumers, last year’s market price, global market prices and other commodities prices. There are separate prices for modern trade with consumer packaging at mini-marts and supermarkets.
If individuals have difficulty buying rice, they are urged to contact the Myanmar Rice Federation. The buyers can complain about overpricing to the Consumer Affairs Department and MRF.
MRF warned that overpricing, sales with inaccurate measurement and quality and non-compliance with directives are subjected to fines, taxation and prosecution under section 5 of the Essential Supplies and Services Law. Thus, rice millers, rice shops, traders and merchants are encouraged to strictly adhere to the rules. — NN/KK
