MYANMAR Rice Federation (MRF) sold 8,717 rice sacks (108-pound) and 30,292 small 10-kilogramme sacks in November according to monthly reference prices set by the Consumer Affairs Department under the Ministry of Commerce. Last month’s sales figures were 34,728 rice sacks (108-pound) and 43,992 small 10-kilogramme sacks.
The distribution includes door-to-door delivery in Yangon and Mandalay cities, sales at supermarkets, 78 civil servant households in Yangon, 44 in Nay Pyi Taw, factories and 58 retail shops.
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 commodity prices. There are separate reference 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
