SEOUL, Jan. 31 (Yonhap) -- Rice prices and foreign exchange rates remain unstable in North Korea as Kim Jong-un's rule enters its second full year, a report by an online newspaper published in Seoul said Thursday.

   The Daily NK, a Web site run by opponents of the North Korean government which provides detailed coverage of the communist nation, claimed the price of rice, a key staple, has risen steadily over the last year.

   It added that despite efforts to control prices, a kilogram of rice purchased in Pyongyang and Sinuiju from Jan. 2 through Jan. 9, rose by 300 won and 200 won, respectively, compared to just two weeks prior.

   A kilogram of rice in Pyongyang cost 6,700 (North Korean) won, while in Sinuiju, just across the Amnok river from the Chinese city of Dandong, it reached 7,000 won.

   The media outlet, which claims it uses a secret network of sources in the communist country, said the latest price of rice represents a more than two-fold increase from the year before, right after Kim took control of the country. In the first month of last year, a kilogram sack of rise cost 3,200 won in Pyongyang.

   The North Korean leader took power following the sudden death of his father Kim Jong-il on Dec. 17, 2011.

   On changes in foreign exchange rates, Daily NK said a U.S. dollar was worth around 9,100 North Korean won this month, which is a depreciation of more than 100 percent from an year earlier. In January 2011, a one dollar bill was worth just 4,400 won.

   The media outlet said the spike in rice prices and weakening of the won's value against the greenback reflected a decrease in food trade with China and high demand for the dollar among ordinary citizens.

   It said with the international community moving to tighten sanctions against the communist regime following the launch of a long-range rocket on Dec. 12, economic conditions in the North may deteriorate further this year.

   yonngong@yna.co.kr
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