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Sam’s Club and Costco have announced that they will limit the number of bulk rice purchases at their shops. The move comes after U.S. rice futures hit a record high due to global inflation and the rising cost of fuel. Sam's Club stated that it will limit customers to four bags at a time of imported jasmine, basmati and long grain white rice. While U.S. production of long grain and medium grain rice is strong, some countries are slowing the export of higher priced rice, like jasmine and basmati, to other markets.

Analysts state that warehouse chains decision may have less to do with shortages than to stockpiling by restaurants and small stores, which might be hoarding rice to avoid higher prices. Rice prices have increased dramatically in recent months, up 70 percent so far this year. U.S. rice futures hit an all-time high Wednesday and jumped 62 cents to $24.82 per 100 pounds after earlier rising to a record $24.85. Rising demand from developing countries and poor yields are cited as reasons for the surge.

Some states do not allow for restrictions on the purchase of basic food items and Sam’s club does not plan limits in those areas. Wal-mart, the parent company of Sam's Club, says that it has no plans to limit rice purchases in any of its 2,500 stores.