Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  The Indonesian Trade Ministry has issued a permit for the import of 1.6 million tons of rice to bolster the Government's Rice Reserve (CBP). Isy Karim, Director General of Domestic Trade at the ministry, announced that this approval supplemented the previously determined import quota of two million tons, antaranews.com reported. "The ministry has granted import approvals for Bulog assignments. Initially, it was for two million tons of rice for this year, and now an additional 1.6 million tons. Import approvals have been issued," he said on Monday, referring to the state Logistics Agency. According to a report from  Bulog, only 500 thousand tons of rice imports have been done so far. Karim emphasized the necessity of additional rice imports to ensure food supply availability ahead of the National Religious Holidays. A ministry survey indicates an expected surge in demand of up to 45.13 percent during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. While there has been a decrease in rice prices at the wholesale market level, Karim noted that no significant decline has been observed in traditional markets. As of 4 March 2024, the price of medium-grade rice has risen by 0.41 percent to Rp14,390 per kilogram, and premium-grade rice has increased by 0.67 percent to Rp16,570 per kilogram, according to the food price panel of the National Food Agency (Bapanas). (mg/inp/pr/nm)