'Only 1 Rice Bag Per Family': Empty Shelves And Chaos In US Stores After India Bans Rice Export
India's recent decision to restrict rice exports to the United States has sent ripples across the global food market, causing concerns over supply disruptions and potential impacts on consumers and retailers.
India's recent decision to restrict rice exports to the United States has sent ripples across the global food market, causing concerns over supply disruptions and potential impacts on consumers and retailers.
In the wake of India's announcement of a ban on the export of non-basmati rice, panic buying has ensued at department stores across the US.
To manage the surge in demand and ensure equitable distribution, many stores have limited the number of rice bags customers can purchase.
This measure comes as customers report encountering empty shelves when attempting to buy rice, highlighting the strain on rice supplies in the country due to the export restrictions.
"Only one rice bag per family," read notices put up by multiple stores.
Videos circulating on social media have depicted scenes of NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) queuing outside grocery and department stores to purchase rice. In contrast, others resorted to climbing shelves and pulling heavy bags of rice.
At the Indian store today for spices, I checked to see if rice prices went up due to the export ban.
¡ª Lisa Muhammad (@iamlisamuhammad) July 23, 2023
I was shocked to see this.
Limits on quantities.
Stock up on your staples NOW. Other countries are looking at the ban on rice and are stock piling. pic.twitter.com/kns8AtoQ3E
Impact of rice exports ban by India government in USA. No rice bag left .. pretty much same situation in all stores here ..#RiceBan #riceexportban #rice #Jansuraaj pic.twitter.com/dgg3aQ6NTo
¡ª Madhukar Singh (Kumar) (@madhukar_singh) July 23, 2023
Don't know if these empty shelves at Walmart today where Basmati rice is usually stocked, is related to the news of India's ban on rice exports but it wouldn't surprise me either. pic.twitter.com/GHXfI9RoAM
¡ª JJ Crowley (@JJCrowleyMusic) July 23, 2023
The situation is really bad in Texas, a relative yesterday shared pics of how they are allowed to purchase only one bag https://t.co/N10XJiuqgB
¡ª Richa Pinto (@richapintoi) July 23, 2023
The situation has raised concerns about potential hoarding practices, with some individuals allegedly selling rice at inflated prices in online forums.
Niks (@niks_1985) expressed on social media that many desi stores are now out of Indian rice due to India's ban on the export of non-basmati rice. As a result, some NRI families have reportedly hoarded large quantities of basmati rice, with some attempting to sell their excess supply on platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
In response to the soaring retail prices and a substantial 35 percent year-on-year increase in global demand for Indian non-basmati white rice during the second quarter, India's Food Ministry issued a statement explaining the reasons for the export ban.
Twitter
The Ministry aims to ensure adequate availability of rice in the domestic market and alleviate the rise in prices by limiting the export of non-basmati rice. NRIs and authorities are closely monitoring the situation as it develops regarding concerns about rice supply and pricing dynamics.
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