Title: Market Intervention Stabilizes Rice Prices, Bringing Relief to Consumers
A Strategic Import Initiative
In a decisive move to regulate the market, fresh shipments of foreign rice have entered the country. This strategic import initiative is set to bring stability to the rice market, specifically addressing the significant price surges seen in recent months for Indian and Pakistani varieties.
Official Price Controls Announced
Reza Kangari, Head of the Foodstuff Grocers Union, has confirmed the new measures. “The import of Pakistani rice has begun,” Kangari stated, “and this rice will be supplied to consumers at the official price of 66,300 Tomans.” He expressed confidence that the distribution of this rice will help balance the market.
Regarding Indian rice, Kangari clarified, “The official price for Indian rice is set at 49,800 Tomans. Although the current market price is slightly higher, a downward trend will become visible as supply increases.”
Addressing Domestic Market Dynamics
Kangari also addressed the price range for domestic Iranian rice, which currently sits between 200,000 and 335,000 Tomans. He identified a recent delay in the arrival of Pakistani rice shipments as a contributing factor to this increase, assuring that this logistical issue is being promptly resolved.
The official further elaborated that the imported Pakistani rice will be available to consumers through distribution networks within the coming days, ensuring the final consumer price aligns with the official 66,300 Toman rate.
Significant Price Reductions Forecast
The recent shortage of distributed rice had driven retail prices for Pakistani rice as high as 150,000 to 200,000 Tomans per kilogram, while premium Indian rice reached 80,000 to 90,000 Tomans. With the arrival of the new shipments, a substantial price correction is anticipated. Forecasts suggest a reduction of approximately 200,000 Tomans for 10-kilogram bags of Indian rice and over one million Tomans for 20-kilogram bags of Pakistani rice.
Furthermore, the decreasing price of imported Pakistani rice is expected to exert downward pressure on domestic Iranian rice, making the local product more accessible to consumers at favorable prices.
A Return to Market Stability
In summary, the widespread supply of imported Indian and Pakistani rice is expected to restore relative calm to this essential sector. This government-led market intervention is projected to steer retail prices toward a more stable and sustainable equilibrium, directly benefiting the consumer.