Food Voucher Distribution Begins Today in Artsakh

Starting from January 20, a new system for purchasing certain types of food products will be in effect in the Republic of Artsakh. The distribution of vouchers will commence today, January 17. According to the new regulations, rice, pasta, buckwheat, sugar, and oil will only be sold with a voucher.

Service points will operate in all public schools and at the Artsakh State University in Stepanakert. In total, 19 points will be established. Residents of regional centers can obtain their vouchers from their local administrative buildings, while those in rural areas can get them from their community mayor's offices.

During a recent meeting of the operational headquarters, it was noted that the organizational and technical work for the implementation of the voucher system is being carried out according to the established timeline. To ensure a smooth introduction of the system, appropriate explanatory and training sessions will be held for both suppliers and owners of commercial points.

The sale of primary groups of products will be conducted using vouchers throughout the Republic—200 stores in Stepanakert and 400 in the regions. Minister of State Ruben Vardanyan emphasized the importance of conducting awareness-raising activities among the population alongside the system's implementation. He also deemed it necessary to create appropriate information databases.

The meeting presented the current situation regarding energy supply in the Republic, which continues to remain tense. Energy supply from Armenia to Artsakh is disrupted as before, because the Azerbaijani side does not allow specialists to visit the areas under their control to understand the reasons for the disruptions. In order to meet the minimum energy needs of the population in the long term, a transition will take place tomorrow to a four-hour schedule of rotational outages instead of the current two hours.