The Consumer Affairs Department under the Ministry of Commerce stated that reasonable market prices of rice for August were issued, and failing to do so is subject to legal action.

The Ministry of Commerce issued reasonable prices for all varieties; of non-premium rice (Aemahta, Ngasein, Sinthukha, Ngasein Yakyaw, Kayinma, Yadanatoe, Tunpu, GW-11, 747, Theepu, Shweman, and Hanankauk, among oth­ers), locally consumed rice (Ayeyam­in, Shwethwe, Hmawby-2,-33, 90-day short-matured rice, Manawthukha), mod­erate quality rice including Magyantaw and premium Pawsan rice (Ayeyawady Pawsan, Shwebo Pawsan). The ministry announced that retailers are not to make a profit of more than eight per cent of the set reasonable market prices.

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 commod­ity 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, 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