The Samoa Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour is investigating the claims.
Two major wholesalers, Chan Mow and Frankies, both reported a shortage of rice, but another wholesaler Ah Liki recently had a shipment of rice arrive, and had supplied retailers.
Samoa Observer reported that some shops with rice available had been accused of jacking up their prices in response to the shortage.
Commerce, Industry and Labour chief executive Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling said the ministry was investigating reports of price increases across the retail sector.
