India's rice export ban leads to stockpiling in Canada and around the world

Workers load bags of rice at an Indian grocery store in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on July 27, 2023. Shortages of non-basmati rice caused by rains and drought in rice-producing regions of India have sent prices soaring in the country. Last week the Indian government decided to ban exports of the rice to ensure their domestic supply. India's decision to ban the export of non-basmati rice has led to consumers panic-buying and stockpiling Indian rice around the world, driving up prices in the process. In Canada, the U.S. and abroad, reports of panic-buying are flourishing on social media, with stores that cater to South Asian communities implementing caps on the amount that any customer can buy, and adjusting prices.