Only 10 Percent of Released Reserve Rice Reaches Consumers

TOKYO, May 20 (News On Japan) - Although the government released 210,000 tons of reserve rice into the market, only about 10 percent has reached supermarkets and restaurants, equivalent to the nation’s average daily rice consumption.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, as of the end of April, only around 22,000 tons of rice from the two previous reserve releases had made it to retail outlets and food service establishments. The ministry noted that this accounts for roughly the amount of rice typically consumed across Japan in a single day.

The ministry added that distribution is expected to accelerate going forward.

Meanwhile, wholesale rice prices have begun rising again.

The average spot transaction price for April of rice harvested in 2024—a key industry benchmark—climbed to a record high of 27,102 yen per 60 kilograms.

The volume of rice traded in April also fell sharply compared to the previous month, reflecting a growing sense of shortage among wholesalers.

Source: TBS

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