South Hwanghae grain store managers escape punishment after hiking rice prices

Managers of state-run grain stores in South Hwanghae province failed to face punishment after they raised rice prices excessively in September 2026. Provincial authorities summoned them to question the price hikes, but the managers returned to work without any real consequences. They operated stores in four counties: Songhwa, Jaeryong, Unryul, and Ryongyon.

The grain stores began selling rice at 56,000 North Korean won per kilogram on September 1, 2026, while market prices were around 50,000 won. After a few days, they raised the price to 60,000 won. Local residents filed complaints with the provincial party committee, leading to questioning of the managers. They were held separately for two days and made ideological statements of self-criticism.

However, the managers were allowed to continue their operations as if nothing had occurred. They are not just state employees but wealthy businessmen (donju) who financed the stores and funded their operations with personal funds. The managers' connections with local officials made it difficult for authorities to take firm action, as shutting down the stores could disrupt the local rice supply chain.