Consumers report limited rice sales in supermarkets after rains in Rio Grande do Sul

After the federal government’s announcement that up to one million tons of rice will be imported to cover the losses caused by the floods in Rio Grande do Sul, consumers have been faced with restrictions when searching for the product in supermarkets. Establishments in different states across the country are limiting package sales per person.

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On social media, reports multiply. In the capital of Minas Gerais, consumers at Supermercados BH said they found sales limited to up to five packets of rice from all brands sold by the chain.

In Espírito Santo, the Perim chain restricted rice sales to a single package per customer.

In Fortaleza, Ceará, the wholesale chain Lag and Supermercados Lagoa also limited sales to five units of the product per CPF, for an indefinite period.

“Due to the recent intense rains that are affecting Rio Grande do Sul, an important rice producing region, we inform that there may be an impact on the supply of this product in the markets. As a preventive measure to guarantee access to all, the quantity of rice is limited to 5 units per CPF, for an indefinite period”, says the statement on the Atacadão Lag shelf.

EXTRA was unable to contact the Perim, Atacadão Lag, Super Lagoa and Supermercados BH chains.

The state of Rio Grande do Sul accounts for 70% of the national production of the item, which is one of the main foods on Brazilians’ tables.

‘No risk of shortages’

In a statement, the Brazilian Supermarket Association (Abras) reinforced that it recognizes the population’s concern, but “ensures that, at this moment, there is no imminent risk of a shortage of food and cleaning products in the country’s supermarkets”.

“The entity is monitoring products from the affected region, such as rice, milk, pork and fruit, and, together with the government, may adopt additional measures, if necessary, to ensure that families have access to essential items”, says the statement.

In Rio, there are no reports of restrictions on shelves. The Rio State Supermarkets Association (Asserj) carried out a survey of establishments in the sector which showed an increase in consumer demand for rice. In large chains, the scenario is still normal, although the price may rise, said the entity.

— Rice prices may increase in supermarkets due to logistics difficulties. We suggest that consumers continue researching price ranges, and, if there is an increase, replace rice with other carbohydrates such as pasta — said the president of Asserj, Fábio Queiróz.