31 May, Minsk /Corr. BELTA/. Trade markups have been reduced in Belarus for more than 40 groups of consumer goods. This was reported to BELTA by the press service of the Ministry of Trade of Belarus, citing operational data. On May 28, the Ministry of Trade proposed a 10% reduction in trade markups on consumer goods. To date, for example, trade markups on groats have been reduced by 10%, herring by 12%, coffee, tea, and fruits by 15%. The ministry noted that in accordance with the government decree of May 12, 2011, No. 601 "On Certain Measures to Ensure the Domestic Market with Consumer Goods," priority supplies of food products are directed to the domestic market. As a result of the measures taken, the country has managed to maintain a stable supply of the population, especially with food products, amid a sharply increased consumer demand. Commodity stocks in the retail network (excluding current arrivals) are sufficient for uninterrupted trade of sugar and salt for 30 days, flour, pearl barley, and pasta products for 25 days, vegetable oil for 40 days, and fish products for 60 days. Currently, monitoring data confirms that the sale of food and non-food products is carried out without panic demand, and the population is offered necessary goods. However, retail outlets are not yet fully stocked with poultry meat (carcass), refrigerators and freezers, and gas stoves manufactured by SP ZAO "Brestgazoapparat." Increased demand for cement and a narrowing assortment of some goods are noted. To address these issues, the Ministry of Trade, together with relevant ministries and concerns, is taking operational measures to supply retail outlets with the necessary goods.-0-

BELTA