SUPPLY FEARS MOUNTSome analysts, however, argue that speculation rather than actual supply shortages is driving prices higher. “This news came to be known widely, everybody is anticipating El-Nino and large rainfall deficit. Otherwise, there is absolutely no reason why rice prices at this point of time should go up. "Because we have enough buffer stock of paddy in the FCI (Food Corporation of India) godowns and it should have been released. Other southern states have initiated measures, such as the distribution of selected grain varieties at subsidised rates, to ease the burden on consumers.