Posted 4/26/2008 04:20:00 PM by Douglas

Probably the first effect of the country's disastrous ethanol-as-fuel program is felt by those that like to purchase rice in quantities usually reserved for the Department of Defense:

Two major US bulk retailers are rationing the sale of large bags of rice to consumers amid a growing global food crisis marked by skyrocketing prices and heavy pressure on demand.

Sam's Club, a chain owned by retail giant Wal-Mart, announced Wednesday it was placing a limit of four 20-pound (nine-kilogram) bags per person for imported jasmine, basmati and long grain white rices as a "precautionary step."

"This temporary cap is intended to ensure there is plenty of rice for all our members," said Sam's Club, which has 600 stores across the United States, adding that the measure did not apply to smaller bags of rice.

The move follows similar steps taken by its main rival, Costco, which has also limited the sale of rice in its stores.

Both companies insist that they have plenty of rice but say the steps were necessary to ensure there was enough for all of their clients.

I wonder if they're rationing aluminum foil in quantities sufficient to make a bass boat or the five gallon bucket of sliced pickles?

Labels: ethanol