Many on this thread are complaining that it’s a fake crisis, whipped up for news or political influence or commodities profiteering. Maybe it is.
As you note, he “just in time” logistical model IS a problem: a single fluke can screw up broad availability, whether caused by malfunction, malice, or a bogus news story.
Staple grains are cheap and stable. A large sack of grain costs little more than a nice dinner out, can feed several far longer, lasts a long time, can affordably be tossed if not needed after all, and will probably persuade to a better diet at lower cost anyway.
A big surge in demand can sure strain the limits of “just in time” logistics. Likewise, a big drop in supply can occur easily. Rice scarcity being a bogus story or not, we’re being reminded that buffering consumables is no longer in the system - it’s up to YOU.
this was pretty commonplace back in the 70s
once the gasoline lines started (price controls), then the turmoil spread to lots of consumer items
toilet paper was a one funny one
the internet era may make it worse now since any goofball rumor or observation can spread virally in a few hours
The shortages are very real. Many factors can be attributed to this gap in supply and demand. However, I do not think US consumers have anything to worry about though, the world may be experiencing shortages, but we are a net exporter of food, our government would stop exports before it would let food prices escalate to the point where it really hurts US consumers.