Iran’s ministry of commerce and industry said the country has begun to
stockpile a three-month supply of foodstuffs. Deputy Minister Hassan Radmard
said his ministry has been buying wheat, cooking oil, sugar and rice for the food
reserve. (Mehr News Agency, 27 July)
Iran imports some 7.3 million tons of wheat, corn and rice a year (FAO). In
the first half of 2012, it has already imported 3 million tons of wheat, and is
now sourcing for additional 2 million tons for the second half of the year. (Reuters)
