There is a real rice shortage and supermarkets are not holding onto stocks in the bulk.

The Fair Trading Department had confirmed that an inspection was carried out in supermarkets after reports that some supermarkets are holding onto stocks to sell them at higher prices in the next few weeks.

Director Collin Lewis said there was no evidence to show that some supermarkets were selling or planning to sell stocks at higher prices.

Lewis adds there is a worldwide shortage of rice and that's the only reason for the rice shortage in some supermarkets.

The Consumer Council of Fiji had earlier said that they have received reports that certain supermarkets are holding onto the rice stock and other items so that they can sell it at a much higher price following an expected price increase.