Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF) announced on 5 September that it has been distributing rice at the set reference prices.
Rice mills, shops, depots, mini marts and supermarkets across the country, including Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, Mandalay, Bago and Ayeyawady regions, offer rice sales at reference prices.
Additionally, MRF distributes rice under the Good Rice and Good Price programme with five to ten-kilogramme bags to factory employees, government personnel and staff of institutions concerned through retail shops in Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, Mandalay and Mawlamyine. Consumers can buy rice at reference prices under that programme.
Furthermore, MRF provides door-to-door service to households in the designated townships in Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, and Mandalay, with a cash-on-delivery payment system.
When consumers have difficulty buying them or want to complain about overpricing, they are asked to dial the contact numbers of MRF: 09 400067240, 09 400067250, 09 400067260 and 01 21826668.
The reference prices are set for non-premium rice such as Aemahta, Ngasein, Sinthukha, Yadanatoe, Tunpu, Shweman, Hnankauk, Ziyar, Ngwetoe, Min Ayeya, Manawthukha, moderate quality rice such as 90-day short matured rice, Pakan, Anyatha, Magyantaw, Ayamin, Ayeya Padaytha, and premium rice varieties like Kyapyan, Pawkywe, Ayeyawady Pawsan and Shwebo Pawsan.
The Ministry of Commerce stated that there is no right for retailers to set more than eight per cent higher than the set reference prices. 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.
Consequently, MRF encouraged the affiliated associations, members of commodity depots, traders and rice companies to follow the price and abide by rules and regulations. Those failing to do so will be subjected to legal proceedings, fines and tax imposition under Section 5 of the Essential Supplies and Services Law. — NN/KK
