Restrictions on Public Catering Services to be Implemented in Artsakh

During a meeting of the operational staff led by Ruben Vardanyan, State Minister of the Artsakh Republic, today it was discussed and approved a draft government decision regarding the imposition of restrictions on public catering services. It was noted that this decision was made taking into account the shortages of food products and the need for electricity savings resulting from the blockade imposed by Azerbaijan on Artsakh.

State Minister Ruben Vardanyan informed that he had met with business operators yesterday to discuss the appropriateness of implementing the restrictions and welcomed the complete understanding and support shown by the operators. Many of them have already canceled large gatherings, deeming them inappropriate under the current circumstances. The Minister instructed the responsible officials to take the proposals made by entrepreneurs during the meeting into account in the government's draft decision.

The meeting also addressed the situation regarding cash circulation. It was reported that there is a sufficient volume of cash available in the republic; however, due to the current situation, organizations and individuals have started to withdraw and hoard more cash rather than spend it, which is affecting the volume of cash circulation. The Minister emphasized that it is much wiser to keep money in a non-cash manner under the current conditions and instructed relevant awareness-raising work to be carried out.

Additionally, the current situation in the markets for food products, medications, gasoline, and diesel fuel was reported during the meeting. Measures being taken to ensure uninterrupted energy supply, water supply, and infrastructure were also presented.