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In response to media enquiries regarding the supply of rice in Hong Kong, a spokesman for the Trade and Industry Department today (March 17) gave the following reply:
There is a sufficient supply of rice in Hong Kong. There is no need for the public to worry.
The stock of rice currently available in the market, coupled with the operating stock of 15,600 tonnes by the rice stockholders as at end of February 2011, are well sufficient to meet the demand of local population.
In addition, under the Rice Control Scheme, rice stockholders should keep a reserved stock sufficient for consumption by the population for 15 days. In case of emergencies and upon the request of the Government, stockholders have to sell the reserved stock in the Hong Kong market to ensure that there is a stable supply of rice. As at end of February 2011, we had a reserve stock of 13,200 tonnes.
The average monthly import of rice into Hong Kong is about 27,000 tonnes which matches the average monthly local rice consumption of about 26,000 tonnes. We do not foresee there will be any interruption of rice supply to Hong Kong in the coming months.
The department will continue to closely liaise with the trade and monitor the situation.
Ends/Thursday, March 17, 2011
Issued at HKT 22:38
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