The Listin Diario reports this morning that the shortages in certain basic goods is beginning to make itself felt on the supermarket shelves, due to transport rationing and the suspension of a large proportion of imports. Pablo Adon, president of the national traders’ union (Unaco), called on the authorities to pay heed to the situation, which he said could get worse. Milk, pasta and rice are just three examples of products affected. Rice has been hit by price rises and has compelled the government to give the go ahead to imports. Adon accused domestic rice producers of rationing and overcharging for their product. The decision to import rice is an attempt to force down the prices in the domestic market, which have gone up to as much as RD$20 a pound. The imported rice, which is due to arrive in the country next week, is expected to be sold at RD$7.