Rice traders told not to hoard

BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Deputy Governor Gusti Hasan Aman has appealed to local rice traders not to hoard the commodity in the hope of bolstering their profit.

He said that the government was prepared to beat them at their game as it has ample stocks which it could release in the market to bring the prices down, the Antara news agency reported.

Rice prices have shot up upon speculation that the severe dry spell is threatening the national rice supply.

Gusti Hasan said the provincial government has 15,000 tons of rice in stock, enough to supply the needs of the area for five months. (05)