In the run-up to Turkmenistan’s Independence Day cheap food products have been supplied to the counters of state-run stores. Correspondents of “Chronicles of Turkmenistan” report that huge queues are being formed in shopping malls “Gulistan”, “Sumbar”, at Tekin and Tashauz bazaars in Ashgabat.
Let us recall that the country is currently experiencing a deficit of food products, including vegetable oil, flour and chicken meat.
However, ahead of public holidays, following the instructions of President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov “food abundance is ensured in the country”.
Restrictions on the sale of groceries sold at affordable prices apply for instance, a maximum of 2 kilos of chicken drumsticks per person at the price of 8 manats per kilo, bananas at 6 manats per kilo, pears at 8 manats per kilo and a package of 30 eggs at 10 manats.
The queues stretch from eastern to western gates of the Tekin bazaar.
Bananas had previously cost 18 manats per kilo, pears at 15 manats per kilo and there were no queues to buy them.In the meantime, in an attempt to purchase affordable groceries people spend hours lining up in front of the counters where fights occasionally break out.
Correspondents of “Chronicles of Turkmenistan” report that the fights are common at Tekin bazaar, which sells vegetable oil “Akhal”.
Once retail outlets run out of food products and before a new batch arrives, even tighter restrictions are imposed by shop assistants. For example, 10 or 6 eggs per person instead of 30 eggs.
Queues are formed at about 6 a.m.For example, there are about 100 people lining up in front of “Karakum” store by this time.The residents realize that these prices will be valid only until the end of the holidays and in an attempt to buy more groceries, bring kids with them.
However, when shop assistants learn that they are members of the same family, they sell food pursuant to imposed quotas.
Let us recall that on 10 September “Chronicles of Turkmenistan” reported that ahead of the Khalk Maslakhaty session cheap food products were supplied to Ashgabat state-run stores and sold at subsidized prices.
Restrictions on the sale of these groceries had previously applied.