THE Myanmar Rice and Paddy Traders’ Association (MRPTA) notified that consumers can buy rice at fairer prices at Wahdan Rice Wholesale Centre in Lanmadaw Township on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Earlier, Wahdan depot offered fairer rice schemes only every Wednesday and Thursday. At present, one more day is added to the weekly affordable rice scheme.
Under the guidance of the Myanmar Rice Federation, rice depots have started to offer fairer rice sales at Wahdan Rice Wholesale Centre from 11 am to 3 pm, starting from the second week of June. The Consumer Affairs Department under the Ministry of Commerce stated that reasonable market prices of rice for June 2025 were issued, and non-compliance with the set prices is subject to legal action.
The Ministry of Commerce issued reasonable prices for all varieties; K60,000-K72,000 per 108-pound bag of non-premium rice varieties (Aemahta, Ngasein, Sinthukha, Ngasein Yakyaw, Kayinma, Yadanatoe, Tunpu, GW-11, 747, Theepu, and Shweman, Nankauk, among others), K68,000-K78,000 per bag of rice varieties (Zeeya, Ngwetoe, Minaya, Nankauk, Shweman) that are consumed locally and exported, K75,000 to K99,000 to Shwethwe, Anyatha, Pakan, Hmawby -2,3, 90-day short matured rice, Manaw Thukha, Sinthuka, Byawtun, Ayeyapadetha, Ayeyamin produced from Ayeyawady, Yangon and Bago regions, K90,000-K155,000 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.
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 subject to fines and 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
