MINSK, 6 October (BelTA) – Not only imported products, but also domestic goods have risen in price, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he hosted a government meeting on 6 October, BelTA has learned.
The head of state pointed to unjustified increase in prices by producers.
“It is fairly understandable why imported products became more expensive. However, what is the reason for the continuous growth in prices for domestic products made from domestic raw materials?” the president asked. “Prices for raw materials did not rise, prices for fuel (oil, gas, etc.) and other things that would always be a great concern for us did not rise either,” the president noted.
The president went on saying that food prices had risen by almost 13% since the beginning of the year. Prices are rising even for consumer staples, although MPs, trade unions and the State Control Committee were supposed to take care of price growth. “I have to intervene in the situation. It is already obvious that the government, trade unions, regional executive committees and the Minsk City Council, MPs, and the State Control Committee cannot cope with the overwhelming price growth,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
According to the president, the National Bank has an important role to play when it comes to pricing. “For some reason, importing companies continue hedging exchange rate risks by inflating prices, although the exchange rate of the Belarusian ruble is stable,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The head of state believes that the National Bank is not doing enough to maintain the exchange rate of the Belarusian ruble. “The exchange rate factor has an impact on the price of goods that we have to import. So come to grips with this issue!” the Belarusian leader said.
“Unreasonable rise in prices for imported products should be punishable; a system [of control] should be established,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.
According to him, particular attention should be paid to critical imports. “Who imports these products and at what prices? What is the final price for these products when they reach store shelves? You need to have a close study of importers and eliminate speculations with imported goods,” the Belarusian leader said.
