Queues worsen to get an arroba of rice at an Emapa point in Santa Cruz

The lines to purchase rice at a lower price than in the markets grew longer this Friday at the supermarket of the state-owned Empresa de Apoyo a la Producción de Alimentos (Emapa), located on Cristo Redentor Avenue in Santa Cruz, between the seventh and eighth ring.

The arroba costs Bs 50.50, and only one is sold per person, with the presentation of an ID card. Many customers arrived at dawn to queue, despite the rain.

The regional manager of Emapa emphasized that they have enough rice to serve all buyers. He stated that 12,000 tons are expected to be sold this month.

Queues started forming at this Emapa location last week but have increased over the past few days.

"In case prices remain high, Emapa has the logistics and necessary resources to begin importing rice, ensuring that the internal market is not affected by speculation," said the national manager of the state entity, Franklin Flores, this Thursday.

The official believes there is no reason for price speculation in the markets. He pointed out that the rice currently being sold was planted in October and November of last year, when, according to him, there were no issues with dollars or fuel supply in the country.