Rice is a commodity. Less rice on the international market means those companies that need rice to make their products will have to compete with each other on price to secure the supply they need. Sellers are always going to see to the highest bidder, thus retailers have to pay more and charge consumers more. It is basic economics. You are not going to see rice farmers turn down higher offers for their rice so why would anyone else in the supply chain? If you were selling something, I doubt you would sell to the lowest bidder just because they cant afford to pay what others are willing to pay.