Legal action looms for market price violators

THE Consumer Affairs De­partment under the Ministry of Commerce stated that rea­sonable market prices of rice for May 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 Hnankauk among others), K68,000-K78,000 per bag of rice varieties (Zeeya, Ngwetoe, Mi­nayeya, Hnankauk, 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 and Ayeyamin produced from Ayeyawady, Yangon and Bago regions, K90,000-K150,000 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.

 

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. There are sep­arate 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 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