The Ministry of Commerce and Industry intends to create a mechanism to ensure the availability of foodstuffs and consumer goods and prevent unjustifiable price hikes. The ministry's plan on prices comes in the wake of demands from consumers for monitoring of markets and action on unreasonable increases. A ministry official said the plan was drawn up in cooperation with various government agencies. It involves 80 teams of inspectors and the launch of a study on the reasons for price hikes. The teams will cover large and small markets and record their observations on price increases and commercial fraud. The official said the plan will include grocery stores.
