Armenian minister blames food price hikes on two factors
03.04.2020,
15:49
Armenian Economy Minister Tigran Khachatryan said on Friday there were two reasons behind a surge in the prices for a number of staples.
YEREVAN, April 3. /ARKA/. Armenian Economy Minister Tigran Khachatryan said on Friday there were two reasons behind a surge in the prices for a number of staples.
According to media reports, the price for buckwheat have grown from 250 drams per kilogram to 750 drams, and that for lentils from 450 drams to 700 drams.
According to the minister, price hikes have resulted from changes in prices for a number of goods in world markets. And there is a second reason - the logistics, which in the current situation leads to certain transportation difficulties. He said a role has been played also by adverse weather conditions at the Upper Lars checkpoint on the Russian-Georgian border.
The minister emphasized that prices for buckwheat in Russia (the bulk is imported from that country) almost doubled even before the spread of coronavirus.
“In all likelihood, prices for some other essential food products will rise, but we hope that economic entities will make efforts so that the situation does not lead to it,” Khachatryan said.
At the same time, he emphasized that if the State Commission for the Protection of Economic Competition detects abuses, it has sufficient tools to prevent a subsequent price increase.
“I don’t think this is a reason for panic; there will be a certain price fluctuation, which should be treated more calmly. In any case, it should be remembered that the consumer can choose another product, and not the one for which the price has risen,” Khachatryan said.
The government of Armenia introduced a 30-day state of emergency on March 16 in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus. Later, it imposed restrictions on free movement of people and banned certain types of economic activity until April 12 inclusive. As of April 3, some 736 confirmed cases of coronavirus were recorded in the country, 43 patients recovered and seven died. -0-
According to media reports, the price for buckwheat have grown from 250 drams per kilogram to 750 drams, and that for lentils from 450 drams to 700 drams.
According to the minister, price hikes have resulted from changes in prices for a number of goods in world markets. And there is a second reason - the logistics, which in the current situation leads to certain transportation difficulties. He said a role has been played also by adverse weather conditions at the Upper Lars checkpoint on the Russian-Georgian border.
The minister emphasized that prices for buckwheat in Russia (the bulk is imported from that country) almost doubled even before the spread of coronavirus.
“In all likelihood, prices for some other essential food products will rise, but we hope that economic entities will make efforts so that the situation does not lead to it,” Khachatryan said.
At the same time, he emphasized that if the State Commission for the Protection of Economic Competition detects abuses, it has sufficient tools to prevent a subsequent price increase.
“I don’t think this is a reason for panic; there will be a certain price fluctuation, which should be treated more calmly. In any case, it should be remembered that the consumer can choose another product, and not the one for which the price has risen,” Khachatryan said.
The government of Armenia introduced a 30-day state of emergency on March 16 in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus. Later, it imposed restrictions on free movement of people and banned certain types of economic activity until April 12 inclusive. As of April 3, some 736 confirmed cases of coronavirus were recorded in the country, 43 patients recovered and seven died. -0-
