Possible Price Increase of Essential Goods, Says Deputy Minister of Economy

The market is regulated, and a certain price increase is possible, but measures are being taken to curb the rise in prices of essential goods. This was stated today by Deputy Minister of Economy Varos Simonian during a conversation with reporters about the price increase during the state of emergency.

He announced that it is possible for the prices of essential goods to rise during the state of emergency. When asked how to interpret the Minister of Economy's statement about finding a substitute for lentils if they are expensive, Simonian did not respond but mentioned that drawing parallels on this issue could lead to speculation.

Varos Simonian also noted that decisions have been made allowing essential goods to be imported without customs duties. "Recently, based on a number of decisions made with the Eurasian Economic Union, it was decided on March 16 that the import duties on certain medical goods, as part of the fight against coronavirus, will be zeroed out," he said.

The Deputy Minister indicated that a similar decision will also be made regarding the import of agricultural products. He presented that control will be imposed on the transportation of goods, and the goods will only be transported under the supervision of the State Revenue Committee, with both the Police and the Ministry of Health required to maintain oversight.