Indonesia has issued new rules on rice exports as soaring prices have forced the government to ensure sufficient domestic stocks.

he decree comes at a time when worried regional governments are looking to shore up their domestic supplies as global rice prices soar.

According to the new rules, rice exports from Indonesia will now be allowed only when surplus national rice stocks exceed 3 million MT. Furthermore rice can now be exported only by Bulog, a national agency that imports food stocks like sugar and rice to ensure sufficient local stocks.