The government has moved to reduce or revise previously approved export quotas for fragrant rice amid rising domestic demand and prices.

The Ministry of Commerce has asked exporters who received approval to export fragrant rice to submit details of the quantities they have actually exported within three working days, according to a ministry press release.

In a letter issued by the ministry’s Export-2 Branch on August 13, authorities said the decision was taken in view of the current market situation and increased domestic demand.

The updated information will help the government determine how much of the approved export quota has been utilised. Unused quotas of companies that failed to export their full allocations may subsequently be reduced or withdrawn.

The Commerce Ministry had earlier approved the export of 45,270 tonnes of fragrant rice for 278 companies following recommendations from the Ministry of Food. Of them, 211 companies received approval in the first phase on May 13, while 67 received approval in the second phase.

At a high-level meeting held at the Commerce Ministry on August 2, officials found that many approved exporters had either failed to export their full quotas or had exported only part of their allocations, creating a significant gap between approved and actual exports.

The meeting also reviewed domestic production, demand, prices and the overall export situation.

Business representatives alleged that some of the country’s top 10 rice millers were stockpiling large quantities of fragrant rice, contributing to higher prices by withholding stocks from the market.

Following the meeting, the government decided to strengthen market monitoring to prevent artificial shortages and excessive profiteering. The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection and relevant business organisations have also been asked to intensify monitoring.

After verifying the export data submitted by companies, the government will decide whether to reduce or adjust their approved quotas.

Officials said the move aims to ensure adequate domestic supplies of fragrant rice while allowing genuine and capable exporters to continue exporting.