GOMEL, 17 June (BelTA) – The state will keep control over pricing practices without exerting too much pressure. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the relevant statement while talking to employees of the confectionery factory Spartak in Gomel on 17 June, BelTA has learned.
The head of state reminded that he had recently signed the decree to establish the Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade Ministry. Alexander Lukashenko explained that the decision had been necessitated by results of social polls among other things. Social polls indicate that prices represent one of the things Belarusians are most concerned about. “I have to respond to it. And we are going to keep prices in check regardless of how much some pro-market Belarusians dislike it. We are not going to apply excessive pressure though,” stated Alexander Lukashenko.
The President admitted the possibility that prices may rise naturally in response to higher revenues and rising demand on the part of the population. However, the government will keep an eye on the relevant processes. “We will control and count money after all,” stressed Alexander Lukashenko.
“It is a good thing that we still have a state-owned retail industry. We keep an eye on whether private shops keep their prices close to prices in state shops. So, don’t you worry. We are going to come down heavily on any unjustified price increase,” stated the President.