Derrick Nembhard, managing director at Jamaica Rice Milling, has sought to dispel reports that there is a shortage of the staple food item in the country.

Mr. Nembhard told The Gleaner on Wednesday that rice was in stock at the company but the establishment was faced with a shortfall in the packaging of the commodity.

"Due to the power outage (associated with the passage of Hurricane Dean) we were not able to process, but have been processing since last week Thursday," Mr. Nembhard said.

Currently, the rice mill is packaging approximately 5,000 to 6,000 bags per day of Guyana and United States rice, down from a daily demand of 6,500 bags.

Between crops

He also noted that rice out of Guyana has been between crops that led to a shortfall in the supply, but the commodity out of the United Stateshas been consistent.

Mr. Nembhard urged consumers to hold fast until regular outputs of rice resume.

In addition, the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) has advised shoppers not to overspend and purchase more rice than needed.

"Use your initiative and determine how you are going to spend. Life (will be) adjusted, based on conditions of weather and power, so shop accordingly to your household," said Dorothy Campbell, communications specialist at the CAC.

On Wednesday, the company announced that the price of Guyana rice had increased by 2.8 per cent. The previous increase of Guyana rice was in April.