UPDATE: Government mulls extra support for food producers, retailers

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MOSCOW, Mar 18 (PRIME) -- The Russian government is considering taking additional measures to support food producers and retailers, including subsidization of interest rates on loans, a spokesperson for Deputy Prime Minister Viktoria Abramchenko told reporters on Wednesday following a government meeting.

“Measures of additional support are being worked out, including subsidizing interest rates on loans to food producers and retailers and reducing pressure on the part of oversight authorities. Viktoria Abramchenko paid special attention to a responsible position of some companies that froze prices in the face of mass demand,” the spokesperson said.

There is no deficit of any foods in Russia, there is only an unreasonable rush of people to buy food.

“No one should provoke and scare citizens with ‘empty’ shelves when all our storages are full. I am making a separate request that ways of quick replenishment and displaying of goods are worked out so that citizens stay calm. There is an excess of goods that comprise the consumer basket, so show it on the shelves,” Abramchenko said as quoted by her press service.

She ordered authorities to ensure nonstop delivery of foods to citizens and to ensure that retailers have adequate reserves.

Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Viktor Yevtukhov said in an interview to Rossiya 24 television channel that the ministry and retailers have agreed to maintain food prices. Only prices for imported foods and goods may grow as the ruble has devalued. Russia has enough goods thanks to the great work that it did in imports substitution, he said.

At the same time, the ministry expects the government to approve a relaunch of online sales of alcohol very soon.

“Regarding alcohol, this decision was suggested by the Finance Ministry a long time ago, and I expect this decision to be approved quickly,” he said.

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