Rice Prices in Pyongyang Soar by 40 Percent

The World Food Program (WFP) announced in a recent report, released on January 28, that the price of rice circulated at markets in Pyongyang, North Korea, has increased by up to 40 percent this year.

The WFP explained that is because rice demand has surged as the North Korean government has reduced its per capita food ration per day from 300 grams to 250 grams since January.

Meanwhile, the WFP expressed concern over the situation because the sales prices of grain in the North are unbelievably expensive: as high as 10 times the price of rationed rice, so low-income inner city dwellers are not afford to buy it.

The North Korean government runs the food rationing system only for Pyongyang citizens, influential classes and some workers in major industries.

The WFP said that 6.5 million North Koreans will suffer from famine before announcing its report this year, and urged the international community to aid North Korean residents with 500.000 tons of food.