TOKYO, Aug. 19 — The average retail price of rice at supermarkets across Japan rose to 3,737 yen (about 25.26 U.S. dollars) per 5 kilograms in the week through Aug. 10, official data showed. The data was up 195 yen from the previous week, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The ministry said the increase may reflect the start of sales of this year’s new rice crop, which is typically more expensive than stockpiled rice. Based on weekly surveys at about 1,000 supermarkets nationwide, the data showed that branded rice, sold by single production area and variety, averaged 4,239 yen per 5 kg, up 37 yen from the previous week. Blended rice, including stockpiled varieties, averaged 3,190 yen.
Xinhua
