INTERVIEW-UPDATE 2-Pakistan may scrap minimum rice export price

(Adds detail, quotes)

By Naveen Thukral

SINGAPORE, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Pakistan, the world's fifth largest rice exporter, is likely to remove a minimum export price on non-basmati rice to boost sales after forecasts of a bumper harvest, a top industry official said on Monday.

Pakistan's move could help dispel some concerns over shortages of the staple, the price of which trebled earlier this year after export curbs by several producers triggered panic buying among importers.

"We are expecting the minimum export price on Irri 6 to be removed," said Abdul Baseer, vice chairman of Pakistan Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP). "We are hopeful that a notification will come within this week."

Pakistan had imposed minimum export price on rice to increase earnings and withhold some cargoes destined abroad in order to build a domestic strategic reserve.

Pakistani exporters are likely to offer Irri 6, a non-basmati variety, at around $400-$450 per tonne free on board (FoB) Karachi port after the minimum export price is removed, he said.

The minimum export price for Irri-6, the country's cheapest rice, which is mainly exported to East and West African countries, was set at $750 per tonne.

The price of Thai 100 percent B grade white rice RI-THWHB-P1 fell for a third straight week to $700 per tonne -- down 35 percent from a record high of $1,080 -- due to thin demand, Thai exporters said last week.