Costco, Sam’s continue to ration rice

ISSAQUAH, Wash. Costco and Sam’s Club continue to limit sales of rice in some stores with Wal-Mart citing “recent supply and demand trends” for the caps.

The limits are being placed mainly on large bags of Basmati, Jasmine and long grain rice as rice futures hit an all-time high this week on fears of dwindling supplies. Costco says the limits are to prevent clubs from running out during the day and says the run on rice is being driven in part by owners of small businesses and restaurants stocking up amid fears of higher prices and shortages.