Rising costs, disruptions to diets as India rice export ban hits US consumers and businesses

However, some are not feeling the pinch yet.

Provision store Foods of India’s owner Mohammed Alam told CNA that despite the panic buying, he is convinced that there is enough rice to sustain the country.

“They are buying nothing but rice (and) they are stocking up. They say rice is banned (and) we are not going to have it,” he said.

“I tell them ‘No, there is enough rice in the market, don’t worry about it’. But still people are buying it. I went to the importer, they have enough. It’s not a shortage, I didn’t see a shortage.”

DIET DISRUPTIONS

For those accustomed to affordable rice-based meals, the rising costs pose a concern, and could significantly disrupt their daily diets and cultural culinary practices.