The Cabinet this week approved the proposal by Industry and Commerce Minister Rishard Bathiudeen to import 20, 000MT of rice every month to meet shortage and control prices.

The Cabinet had previously approved importing rice through private importers and 113, 000MT of rice was imported – but stocks are still insufficient to meet need.

Accordingly the CWE will import 20, 000MT of rice a month, as well as maintain a buffer stock of 100, 000 MT to ease pressure on consumers during the drought.