Oman faces rice shortage after Indian ban
Tuesday, 23 October 2007
DUBAI, Oct 22 (PTI): Nearly two weeks after the ban imposed by India on the export of non-Basmati rice, Oman is facing its acute shortage and the prices of all varieties of rice are likely to shoot up further.
Suppliers in Oman have predicted a price rise in the local markets due to the shortage of Indian varieties caused by the continued ban on export of non-Basmati rice by India since October 9.
The export ban, coupled with an increase in procurement rates, is likely to hit rice lovers hard in Oman, reported the Times of Oman.
Prices of other rice varieties, especially those from Thailand (India's main competitor in most varieties of rice) might also go up, it said, adding shops in Muscat have already begun to feel the heat.
Ravi, who is in charge of the wholesale grains section of a large supermarket in Muscat, says, "Non-basmati rice is fast becoming a scarce commodity, though it has yet to affect the customers."
Suppliers in Oman have predicted a price rise in the local markets due to the shortage of Indian varieties caused by the continued ban on export of non-Basmati rice by India since October 9.
The export ban, coupled with an increase in procurement rates, is likely to hit rice lovers hard in Oman, reported the Times of Oman.
Prices of other rice varieties, especially those from Thailand (India's main competitor in most varieties of rice) might also go up, it said, adding shops in Muscat have already begun to feel the heat.
Ravi, who is in charge of the wholesale grains section of a large supermarket in Muscat, says, "Non-basmati rice is fast becoming a scarce commodity, though it has yet to affect the customers."