Economist: Logistics Chains Are Breaking Down

This situation may cause temporary goods supply interruptions.

The Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade has proposed lifting restrictions on the sale of certain types of goods in Belarus. If the amendments to the law are approved, traders will have the opportunity to set a limit on the purchase of goods "per customer".

The Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade explains these amendments as "preventing a shortage of food products in the consumer market of the republic and ensuring national food security".

The Filin news publisher asked the economist Leu Marholin about the expediency of this deed and the likelihood of a food shortage in the country.

— The possibility of such a restriction does not mean that this restriction will actually exist. It's just a special tool. I think it will not be superfluous taking into account the current situation.

Belarusian suppliers are changing, supply chains are breaking, and there are no new ones at the same time. This situation may cause temporary goods supply interruptions.

It surprises me that our ministry and our government, in general, have never bothered to legally, legitimately formalize these or those regulations that they have implemented. In our country, without any decree of the Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade, sellers of any store will say: "Sugar is running out, let's give two kilograms per person". And it will be easily executed.

Therefore, here one can only congratulate the Ministry that it decided to insure itself in advance, but still hopes that this tool will be used.

First, such a reception to some extent knocks down the excitement and indignation on the part of the people. After all, it seems to everyone that if something is missing, it is precisely because the one who stood in front of you bought more. The Ministry gives stores and sellers such a tool that allows them to suppress the hype from the very beginning, preventing it from growing.

Indeed, if sugar suddenly disappears in a store, it is most often due to the sluggishness of the supply chain, and not because of the local hype.

Our country provides itself with most of the consumer goods. Our country imported exotic fruits and vegetables and electronic products, that is, something you can live without.

Therefore, people who understand that the food products that are truly necessary for life are bread, sugar, salt, cereals, flour and others. Such people can be calm. I think that there will be no shortage of these commodities in Belarus.