Retailers Ration Rice Sales

Bentonville, Ark. and Seattle Buying bulk quantities of rice became more difficult on Wednesday when warehouse retail chains Sam’s Club and Costco began limiting the amount of rice that could be purchased. The restrictions were placed on large 20-lb bags of rice, which are often purchased by small businesses or restaurants rather than by individual consumers.

The move to ration rice sales was a response to rising costs and concerns that domestic supplies would diminish. Reuters reported on Wednesday that rice prices have risen 68% since the beginning of 2008.