In September, grain prices in North Korea appeared to have remained at a similar level for two consecutive weeks.
According to the food price list at a grain store obtained by NK Times on the 25th, the price of grains in Chongjin last week (18th to 24th) (1kg) was 5,300 won for glutinous rice, 6,100 won for glutinous rice, 2,600 won for corn, 3,100 won for corn. It was confirmed that corn powder was sold at 2,800 won, soybeans at 4,600 won, red beans at 3,800 won, and flour at 6,300 won.
Compared to the grain price in Chongjin, grain prices in Pyongyang, Sariwon, Pyongsung, and Hamheung also differed by around 10 to 50 won, meaning that the difference in grain prices in the overall region was not significant.
However, as of the 22nd, grain prices in Ryanggang Province appeared to remain relatively high, as they were last week.
As of the 23rd, the price of rice in Hyesan rose to 7,500 won per kg and corn to 3,200 won per kg, up 800 won and 200 won, respectively, from last week.
In relation to this, a Yanggang Province source said, “Donlords from Doan, including Hyesan City, have been arrested by the National Security Agency and the Ministry of Safety and Security for various reasons and are currently being investigated.” He added, “Many donlords and water owners are having a negative impact on the market as they are being investigated by legal institutions.” He explained.
He went on to say, “Food prices in Ryanggang Province fluctuate twelve times a day.” He added, “When there is only a small amount of food released to the market each day, food prices rise sharply, and when there is a slight decrease in food, they fall again. The rate of increase in grain prices varies. “It’s moving,” he claimed.
***This article is a translation based on ChatGPT, so it may not match our NK Times Korean content.