Bolivia: Rice shortages may occur in public stocks and prices are high

(By Planeta Arroz) The Bolivian government assured this week that there is enough rice to meet domestic demand until December, although the high prices charged for the product in neighboring countries make it difficult to supply it. During a visit to the rice mills in Montero and Santa Cruz, government officials verified the existence of 80 thousand tons of rice available in stock, an amount that, according to the Vice Minister of Consumer Protection, Jorge Silva, would be enough until December of this year. However, the monthly consumption of rice in the country is approximately 41.6 thousand tons, so the current reserves would only last until October. According to press reports, rice is quickly sold in state-owned Emapa stores and a quintal is sold for around 400 bolivianos, when the normal price was less than 300 bolivianos. Impact of drought The Vice Minister of Logistics and Internal Trade, Grover Lacoa, ...