Rice, a staple of the Tico diet, became 22 percent has become more expensive. Beginning Aug. 8, a two-kilo bag of rice rose to ¢1,115 ($2.06), up from ¢914 ($1.69).
The price of rice at the grocery store is set by the Economy Ministry based on international prices and prices for locally grown rice. Costa Rica imports from the United States about half of the rice it consumes.
The hikes will hit Ticos hard. The average Costa Rican consumes about 55 kilos of rice per year, said Economy Vice Minister Eduardo Sibaja. Rice is the main ingredient in such Tico favorites as gallo pinto and the casado.
–Gillian Gillers
