02/10/2022
Customers Are Forced to Purchase Other Items Before Being Allowed to Buy Rice
Monrovia — "Rice is sold at L$3,500 [US$23.00]. The businessman told me before I can buy a bag of rice, I must buy L$1000 (US$6.50) worth of other items that I do not need. Can you imagine that?" said Elder Dee Zoe Lake, via mobile phone.
The trending noise of rice shortage is becoming a reality as people are seen standing in long queues in front of Fouta Corporation just to buy few bags of rice. In spite of this reality, President George Weah said he believes there is no rice shortage on the market.
Reported by this Frontpage Africa recently, President Weah who was quizzed by journalists, addressed the situation as street noise.
"We need not always listen to the street gossips. This is not the first time it has happened. Those responsible for importing rice say we have rice up to next year. I don't believe there's rice scarcity. I believe there is rice. We will verify it again. Don't listen to the noise in the street."
However, many businesses in Rally Time Market on the UN Drive, do not have the regular 25kg bag that was sold at US$13.00 (L$1950) before this reported shortage. Now, when one finds a bag to buy, it is sold between US$18 to $23 per bag.
Mohammed Barrie of Rally Time Business Center said the Lebanese importers are not selling the rice to them. "We have to stand in a long queue, and sometimes we even sleep there just to be able to buy rice. They are only serving 10 bags per person," said Barrie.
Displaying a receipt of one of the importers, Barrie bought 500 bags of IR64 25kg bags of rice for US$13.00 per bag. He alleged that before he was allowed them
Source: Mae Azangi
Front-page Africa
