TOKYO, July 29 (Xinhua) -- The average retail prices of rice in supermarkets across Japan fell for the ninth consecutive week, reaching 3,585 yen (about 24.16 U.S. dollars) per 5 kilograms for the week ending July 20, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).
Although prices continued to decline, the drop was modest, just 4 yen lower than the previous week that indicated a slowing downward trend.
The MAFF attributed the recent stabilization to a slowdown in the pace of reserve rice sales, which has reduced their impact on overall market prices.
During the week ending July 20, a total of 13,108 tonnes of reserve rice was sold. Sales volume has remained largely flat since mid-June, suggesting a more balanced supply situation, according to the ministry.
The MAFF collects weekly price data from approximately 1,000 supermarkets nationwide. ■
