India's rice export ban triggers panic buying at US supermarkets - sparking costs of 20-pound bag to soar from $16 to almost $50

Daily Mail UK ^ | 07 24 2023 | Germania Rodriguez

[yesthatjallen]

India's rice export ban has triggered panic buying at US supermarkets, causing the price of a 20-pound bag to surge from $16 to almost $50 in some stores.

The south Asian country, which accounts for 40 percent of world rice exports, ordered a halt to its largest rice export category, non-basmati rice, on Thursday to calm domestic prices, sparking fears of global shortages.

Videos and reports shared on social media over the weekend show Indian-Americans standing in long lines or panic-buying rice in Texas, Michigan, New Jersey Alabama, Ohio, Illinois and California.

Some stores have hiked the price of a 20-pound bag to $46.99 and have started money-making schemes to capitalize on the panic, according to Business Line.

'A few desi grocery shops came up with innovative ideas to force customers to spend a minimum of $35-$50 on other items to purchase a single rice bag, which is outrageous,' a shopper told the outlet.

SNIP

[Tell It Right]

I wonder how much of our rice growing land is being paid to keep fallow by the U.S. government.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

The south Asian country, which accounts for 40 percent of world rice exports, ordered a halt to its largest rice export category, non-basmati rice, on Thursday

Just as long as the Basmati rice keeps flowing. I don't eat rice much, but when I do, it's Basmati.

[dfwgator]

I think that’s the Costco I go to. It’s like 90% Indians there.

[dennisw]

These Indians living here could eat rice grown anywhere. I guess they prefer the India grown rice. White rice is a sh_t food anyway. Empty calories. Not a whole grain. So knock yerselves out. Going all fanatical over nothing.

[GOPJ]

Basmati will go up too because it’s in easy substitute and once people try it they’ll prefer it to other types of rice for many dishes. I’m going to blame Biden.

[reg45]

We eat lots of rice. I’m worried about the price hike.

[Openurmind]

Price gouging for stupid people who will pay it anyhow.

The first thing that will make us go hungry in this country will be those stupid people.

[Georgia Girl 2]

I think we grow a lotta rice in Loosianna! 😏

[Desron13]

I thought it might be a good idea to stock up on rice about three years ago. ;-)

[CodeToad]

People think illegal aliens are primary Mexicans, but Indians account for millions of illegal aliens.

[DariusBane]

Me too! Love basmati rice!

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Jasmine is also good.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

On things that you can store long term, buy the dip.

Stock up when it is cheap and you never have to worry.

[Red Badger]

We do Jasmine rice.....................

[Vigilanteman]

I like rice, too. But I can substitute pasta or taters or lots of other things if it gets too expensive.

I'm fond of sushi, too. But if the rice on the bottom is going to cost more than the protein on top, I'll eat it without the rice.

[usurper]

White rice is a sh_t food anyway.

When I order in a restaurant and rice is the side dish, I always substitute potato's. But then I'm of Irish decent.

[Fiji Hill]

Rice growers in Colusa County, Calif. in the Sacramento Valley will be happy.

[Mariner]

I stopped buying rice.

Too expensive for organic brown rice.
$5 a pound.

[Iceclimber58]

Wish they would all go home.