- The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has encouraged families to stock up on essential supplies to prepare for emergencies
- While the ministry gave no reason for the notice, ongoing COVID-19 lockdowns and concerns over vegetable supplies after heavy rains damaged crops are possible factors
- According to the People’s Daily newspaper, the announcement was made because of issues, such as rising vegetable prices and recent Covid cases, which officials said were not unusual
BEIJING, China: The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has encouraged families to stock up on essential supplies to prepare for emergencies, as well as asked local authorities to maintain smooth-flowing supply chains and stabilize prices.
While the ministry gave no reason for the notice, ongoing COVID-19 lockdowns and concerns over vegetable supplies after heavy rains damaged crops are possible factors.
However, after reports of panic buying, state media later acted to ease the public’s concerns.
The Economic Daily government newspaper also urged readers to remain calm, stating that the government’s advice is intended to ensure that households are prepared for a potential lockdown.
According to the People’s Daily newspaper, the announcement was made because of issues, such as rising vegetable prices and recent Covid cases, which officials said were not unusual.
Vegetable prices in the country recently surged due to the extreme weather, more than the usual price increases with the approach of winter.
Meanwhile, China is continuing its policy of strict lockdowns to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, and hopes to reach zero infections before hosting the Winter Olympics in February.
On Monday, 92 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the country, and Shanghai Disneyland was closed for at least two days after a weekend visitor tested positive.
