The authorities of Turkmenistan are trying to supply cheap groceries Ashgabat markets at the “recommended” prices, which leads, however, to deficit of food products and cause queues.
Correspondents of “Chronicles of Turkmenistan” report that in the run-up to the New Year fish has appeared on the counters of Tekin market of Ashgabat, which has immediately resulted in huge queues being formed.
Fish, which comes from the fish-breeding farm in the village of Yashlyk located 45 kilometers from Ashgabat, is being sold at 12 manats per kilo. The usual price of freshly caught fish, which is supplied by private vendors, is 40 to 50 manats per kilo.
Kazakhstan’s produced flour of 1th grade is out of stock at the market. A few days ago it was sold at 4 manats per kilo with a restriction of no more than 5 kilos per person.
The queue for onions, which was sold at 2 manats per kilo, has reduced. The price of 2,5 manats per a kilo is indicated at the stall selling potatoes but there is no shop assistant.
Let us recall that in late December the Ashgabat authorities distributed the list of “recommended” prices for food products among the managers of state-run stores and owners of private retail outlets.
Police officers keep vigil to make sure the vendors do not increase prices.Those vendors, who are discontent that they are making losses, are leaving the markets and removing unprofitable merchandise from the counters.