The rationed rice shortage in Mauritius has been ongoing for several weeks, with many households struggling to find the staple food in supermarkets. The State Trading Corporation (STC), which imports and sells the rice at a subsidized price, expects the situation to return to normal in October. The rationed rice, which accounts for about 20% of the market, is imported from international markets and sold at a regulated price of Rs 56 for a 5kg bag.
The STC imports around 24,000 tonnes of long-grain white rice per year, which translates to approximately 2,000 tonnes per month. The corporation uses a quarterly bidding process to purchase the rice from international markets. However, the recent bidding process has raised questions, with two separate bids launched in July and August 2026 for the same period. The reasons behind the second bid are unclear, but it has been attributed to logistical issues and global supply chain disruptions.
According to the Minister of Commerce, Michael Sik Yuen, the shortage is primarily due to international maritime transport issues. A shipment of rice could not be loaded as planned, leading to the current shortage. The Minister expects the situation to normalize by October 7 or 15, citing the impact of the war and difficulties faced by Pakistan. He also mentioned that four ships are expected to arrive in Mauritius, with three already departing from Pakistan and scheduled to arrive by October 15.
Each of the four ships is expected to carry around 500 tonnes of rice, which will help replenish the STC's stocks and restore the availability of rationed rice. The Minister emphasized that the situation is beyond Mauritius' control and that the country is dependent on international supply chains. The rationed rice is a critical component of the Mauritian diet, and its shortage has significant implications for low-income households.
The shortage highlights Mauritius' reliance on international supply chains, which can be affected by global events and logistical issues. The country's dependence on imported rice makes it vulnerable to disruptions in the supply chain. The STC's imports of rationed rice have decreased significantly over the years, from around 60,000 tonnes in the early 1990s to 24,000 tonnes today.
Despite the decrease in imports, the rationed rice remains a strategic food item, and its price is regulated by the government. The STC's efforts to replenish its stocks and restore the availability of rationed rice are ongoing. The corporation is working to ensure a stable supply of the staple food, but the situation remains uncertain.
The shortage of rationed rice has significant implications for low-income households in Mauritius, which rely heavily on the subsidized rice. The government's efforts to address the shortage and restore the availability of the staple food are crucial to mitigating the impact on vulnerable populations. The situation will continue to be monitored, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Key points
- The shortage of rationed rice in Mauritius is primarily due to international maritime transport issues and global supply chain disruptions.
- The STC expects the situation to return to normal in October, with the arrival of four ships carrying around 2,000 tonnes of rice.
- The rationed rice shortage highlights Mauritius' reliance on international supply chains and the need for a stable supply of staple foods.
