Supermarkets Association denies goods shortage

The director of the United Supermarkets Association (ASU in Spanish), Juan José Vasco Martínez, assured that there are no shortages of those goods that large supermarket chains had agreed on reezing prices with the government, but recognized the industry trails an excess demand.

Thus, Vasco Martínez played down media articles indicating a lack of those products at major supermarket chains.

Chains had agreed with the Domestic Trade Secretariat led by controversial Secretary-General Guillermo Moreno to freeze prices of certain basic goods -including appliances- for at least 60 days in what was seen as a government maneuver to control the growing inflation.

“Beside some minor seasonal problems since there is an excess demand, hence some times the goods industry ends trailing from behind, but in general terms there is no shortage.”

“Supermarkets are doing everything possible to keep supplying all goods for the population, and keep collaborating with the national government’s policy intended to promote consumption.”