Azarov: No grounds for boom in prices and food shortage

There is no reason for food shortage and price increase. Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov said this today while opening a meeting of the Government, Cabinet's press office reported.

"I appeal to all citizens of Ukraine: the state has sufficient stock of buckwheat, grain and other food products to compensate for a slight reduction in the harvest this year, caused by abnormal drought. No reason for boom in prices, much less for shortage of goods on the shelves of stores," emphasized Mykola Azarov.

The Prime Minister said that on behalf of the Government local authorities together with the Ministry of Agrarian Policy would organize seasonal fairs, at which citizens would have an opportunity to purchase products without intermediaries at market prices.

At the same time, Azarov noted that large retail chains also have every opportunity to provide a full range of food products on the shelves of their supermarkets, and, if necessary, receive prompt assistance from the state.

"I just want to warn, those who intend to use the speculative demand and pick citizens’ pockets, will immediately meet harsh reaction from the state," concluded the Head of the Government.

Mykola Azarov also noted that in order to avoid similar situations in the future the Government had started a foundation of a civilized food market, which will include a minimum of intermediaries between a producer and consumer.