THE Consumer Affairs Department under the Ministry of Commerce stated that reasonable market prices of rice for December were issued and non-compliance with the set prices is subject to legal actions.
The Ministry of Commerce issued reasonable prices for all varieties; K73,000-85,000 per 108-pound bag of non-premium rice (Aemahta, Ngasein, Sinthukha, Ngasein Yakyaw, Kayinma, Yadanatoe, Tunpu, GW-11, 747, Theepu, Shweman, and Nankauk, among others), K84,000 per bag of locally consumed rice (Zeeya, Ngwetoe, Minaya, Nankauk, Shweman),
K97,000 to K103,000 to Shwethwe, Hmawby -2, 3, 90-day short matured rice, Manawthukha, Sinthuka, Byawtun, Ayeyapadetha, Ayeyamin produced from Ayeyawady, Yangon and Bago regions), K95,000-150,000 to moderate quality rice including Magyantaw, Ayeyamin and Ayeyapadetha produced from Mandalay, Magway, Sagaing, Nay Pyi Taw and upper Myanmar regions, and premium Pawsan rice ( Ayeyawady Pawsan, Shwebo Pawsan). The retailers are not entitled to make a profit of 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 follow the rules. — NN/KK
