Rice Rationing?

Costco and Sam's Club are rationing rice. WTF? According to the story from Huffingtonpost there is no rice shortage. The story mentions another more likely scenario. These companies know that a rise in the price of rice is coming soon and are trying to stock up for when that hits. Of course, anyone who really suffers from this rice rationing are probably small business owners, mom and pop restaurants, etc., so you know, as long as it isn't hurting those who matter bring on the market manipulation.