Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture Otar Shamugia met with representatives of large trade chains and companies importing food and primary consumer products to Georgia.

According to the ministry, it was noted at the meeting that it is important, in parallel with maintaining a stable supply of products in the consumer market, that companies act with social responsibility in order to avoid unreasonable price increases.

"In the current situation, it is important for the state to support the necessary directions, as well as the business to show special responsibility. We received information about the current situation from importers and representatives of trade networks; I declare with full responsibility that there is no shortage of supplies. We agreed at the meeting that we will work in maximum coordination with importers and suppliers," said Otar Shamugia.

According to the head of the Georgian Distribution Association, Iva Chkonia, at this stage, the market situation is stable, but in recent days, there have been delays in the supply of retail chains, which is associated with excessive purchases by the population which artificially leads to shortages.

"Failures related to certain brands are caused by the breakdown of the logistics chain, but if today a certain brand of oil, buckwheat or sugar is not on the shelf, it does not mean that it will not be in two or three days, so I urge the population not to harm themselves and other consumers with excess purchases," Iva Chkonia said.

According to MEPA, relevant services of the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture are constantly monitoring the uninterrupted supply and replenishment of food in the country, as well as coordinated work with representatives of major retail chains and companies importing food and primary consumer products to Georgia.