備蓄びちく米まい 販売はんばいの動うごき加速かそく コメ全体ぜんたいの値下ねさがりにつながるかが焦点しょうてん

Sales of reserve rice, which was sold through negotiated contracts, have started at major supermarkets and other stores, and the number of stores selling it is expected to increase further from this week onward.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has indicated that applications from rice retailers, which began on May 30, may have exceeded the planned amount. As moves toward the sale of reserve rice accelerate, the focus is on whether this will lead to an overall drop in rice prices.

The government’s reserve rice, which was sold through a discretionary contract, began to be sold on May 31 at major supermarkets in Tokyo and home centers in Sendai.

Sales also began at another major supermarket and major discount store in Tokyo on the same day, and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Koizumi visited to inspect and check prices and sales at the stores.

Regarding the sale of reserve rice through negotiated contracts, applications from major retailers have already been confirmed, and deliveries are proceeding in order. From this week onward, the number of stores selling the rice is expected to increase further.

On the other hand, applications from small and medium-sized supermarkets and rice retailers began on May 30, but the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries plans to temporarily suspend accepting applications at 5:00 p.m. on the 2nd, as applications from rice retailers may have exceeded the planned 20,000 tons.

Minister Koizumi said regarding the further release of reserve rice, We are currently considering in parallel how we should utilize the next 300,000 tons.

He said, With a strong determination to release everything if there is demand, I want to curb this price surge.

He also stated, With the release of the reserve rice this time, there is a possibility that it could have a certain impact on the overall price of rice beyond just the reserve rice, and as moves toward the sale of reserve rice accelerate, the focus is on whether this will lead to an overall drop in rice prices.