Medan –
Premium rice in modern retail stores in Medan City, North Sumatra, is starting to run out. The Department of Industry and Trade reveals the cause.
The head of PDN at the Department of Industry and Trade and Energy and Mineral Resources, Charles Situmorang, explained that the reduced supply of premium rice in modern retail is due to the government’s absorption of grain for SPHP rice stock.
“Premium rice is running out because of grain being used for SPHP rice. Yes, all grain supplies between April and June were allocated for government purchase,” said Charles on Monday (4/8/2025).
Meanwhile, Charles mentioned that the stock shortage is also because North Sumatra has not yet entered the harvest season, so there is no grain supply after the government’s absorption for SPHP rice.
“Right now, it’s the planting season, so grain supply is not being met. Well, Bulog distributed SPHP rice to the public in late July. Perhaps soon, Bulog rice will be more widely available, and prices will return to normal,” he continued.
Meanwhile, the department will soon hold a meeting regarding regulations for SPHP rice to enter modern retail.
“It briefly entered (modern retail), but due to some non-compliance, it was temporarily stopped. Tomorrow, we will hold a meeting in accordance with Bappenas regulations, requesting all modern retailers to assist with this rice,” he concluded.
