The trade department insists the present bagged rice price is still moving within the range set by the government while saying no sellers have petitioned for a price hike so far.

Director-General of Internal Trade Department Watcharee Wimuktayont said no bagged rice traders have sought her agency's approval to raise the price by ten baht a bag.

She noted the speculation over the matter may be a marketing tactic to inflate demand during this period.

Watcharee remarked the present change in the bagged rice price has not exceeded the government's price ceiling yet. She said the current bagged rice price varies from below 100 baht a bag to more than 200 baht a bag based on quality.

The director-general went on to say the delay in the expansion of the government's budget shops is from problems facing the disbursement of the state budget to fund them.

Watcharee expected the number of shops participating in the budget shop project to increase to 5,000 from the present 4,000 before the end of this month.

She added some could open as soon as this week.

Watcharee presided over a ceremony to deliver certificates to 25 cold storage operators and warehouse and silo businesses today.

The certification is part of the government's campaign to enhance the country's logistical efficiency prior to the launch of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.

Source: TANN