It has been confirmed that North Korean grain prices have risen significantly within a month.
According to a survey by NK Times on the 12th of grain prices in major regions of North Korea from mid-November to today (11th), the average price of rice in Pyongyang, Sariwon, Pyongseong, Hamheung, and Chongjin was 5,500 won per kg (imported rice 5,800 won) (11) It was found to be a significant increase of 700 won compared to 4,800 won as of the 9th of the month.
Corn (corn) was sold at an average of 2,700 won per kg in Pyongyang, Sariwon, and Pyongsung, up an average of 700 won compared to the previous month, and in Hamheung and Chongjin regions, it was priced at 2,800 won each, up an average of 700 won from the previous month (2,100 won).
In addition, barley and barley rice are sold at 2,600 won and 4,000 won per 1 kg, respectively, and red beans and red beans are sold at 3,900 won and 5,100 won per kg, respectively, showing that North Korean grain prices have risen sharply overall.
The threshing deadline and the Ministry of Safety’s intensive crackdown are considered to be the main reasons for the sharp rise in North Korean grain prices this month.
In relation to this, a source from North Hamgyong Province said, “Threshing was completely completed around November 20th.” He added, “With the end of threshing, grains exported from rural areas to cities decreased, and at the same time, city and county security departments began to crack down on individual food sales, causing grain prices to rebound. “It started to increase significantly in December,” he told the NK Times.
The source said, “If the Ministry of Security’s grain crackdown continues as it is now, merchants and farmers will stop selling grain, while residents who can afford it are purchasing food on a large scale. If this happens, future food prices will drop from now.” “It is bound to rise further, and the frugal generation is bound to emerge one after another faster than expected,” he pointed out.
