Japan Blames Quake-Fueled Panic Buying Of Rice For Shortages

The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture has reported that, despite adequate overall rice supply and demand this summer, panic buying by consumers following a major earthquake led to localized supply disruptions, Satoshi Fukutomi reported for Mainichi Japan.

According to the report, rice supplies in distribution channels, such as supermarkets, were at similar or greater levels than in 2023 until July of this year. I Photo: Ito-Yokado

In a report released on Oct. 30, the ministry acknowledged delays in gathering information on the shortages and communicating with distributors and consumers. The ministry indicated it plans to strengthen efforts in these areas moving forward.

According to the report, rice supplies in distribution channels, such as supermarkets, were at similar or greater levels than in 2023 until July of this year.

However, beginning in August, following a major earthquake off Miyazaki Prefecture and a first-ever Nankai Trough megaquake advisory, consumer purchases surged by 20%-40% compared to the same period in 2023.

The shortage was further strained by the timing, as it occurred during the transition before the 2024 rice harvest.