Vendors at Ashgabat market are still being urged to sell groceries at fixed prices below the market value. However, the control by the police or officials is not so tight compared to the run-up to the New Year holidays, the correspondents of “Chronicles of Turkmenistan” report.
Even private vendors attach the price tags with the fixed prices at the counters of Tashauz market.Taking advantage of the fact that the control has been weakened, the vendors indicate the price which is one manat higher than the official price.
For instance, tangerines are sold at 7 manats per kilo instead of the fixed price of 6 whereas pears and kiwis can be purchased at 9 manats.Bananas, which cost 6 manats per kilo, sell out very quickly.
The situation with meat is very different. Only boned meat can be purchased at the fixed price of 18 manats whereas the price for a kilo of fillet can reach as high as 30 manats.
Radio “Azatlyk” also reports that that the vendors of Ashgabat markets are forced to reduce prices.
According to the news outlet, the announcements with signatures and stamps say that a flatbread must cost 1 manat despite the fact that the regular price is 3 to 5 manats.
The officials have warned vendors that the fine for overpricing will amount to 400 manats.This led to the closure of half of retail outlets selling bread since it is unprofitable for small business owners to sell it.
ANT also reports that the Turkmen provinces are still experiencing a deficit of flour and bread.
Despite the fact that the supply of bread and bakery goods to state-run stores slightly improved compared to the end of last year, queues in front of retail outlets are still being formed.
Moreover, according to correspondents of “Chronicles of Turkmenistan”, the state-run shops in Ashgabat are no longer selling vegetable oil “Akhal” starting from late January.The locals believe that this is how the authorities are trying to get rid of big queues being formed in front of Ashgabat state-run stores, which spoils the image of the prosperous country as viewed by foreigners.
“Akhal” oil is now available only in the provinces and the suburbs of Ashgabat, for example, in the villages of Bagir, Keshi and Goekcha).A liter of oil costs 5 manats instead of 3,4 manats along with some slow-moving goods as a bonus.
Even with a limit of two bottles per customers, the residents queue up starting from early in the morning.
The queues in front of state-run retail outlets are caused not only by the urge to buy groceries at the government-established prices for personal use but to make some money.
The oil locals buys in state-run stores is subsequently resold to private vendors at 7 to 8 manats, which, in turn is resold at 10.