OREANDA-NEWS. On 20 January 2009 was announced, that Belarus will check reasons behind considerable price increases by importers and retailers after the 20% devaluation of the national currency earlier this January, Deputy Economy Minister Vladimir Adashkevich told reporters.

“The Council of Ministers has decided that price-formation authorities will be authorized to inspect some of the most sensitive consumer goods, especially imports, in order to monitor price rises,” Adashkevich said.

He said the move was in line with presidential ordinance #689 on inspections, which allows checks of “most significant matters.”

Addressing importers, Adashkevich said: “I would like you to revise the prices you set early this year. Consequences will be very serious if we find unfounded price increases,” he said.

“Inspectors will be authorized to revoke licenses, ban wholesale operations and import,” he added.