Retail chains are operating steadily, with only minor disruptions: Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture

Ukraine's retail chains are operating steadily and ensuring uninterrupted supply of products, despite attacks on the energy sector by the enemy and adverse weather conditions. This was announced by Taras Vysotskyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, during a live broadcast of the Yedyni Novyny (United News) telethon.

According to him, occasional temporary store closures are limited in scope and technical in nature. They are mainly related to emergency power outages or short-term generator failures, particularly due to severe frosts. Such cases do not affect the overall availability of goods and do not pose a risk to consumers.

"The Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture is in constant contact with all retail chains. Clear algorithms for action in the event of a power outage, the procedure for informing customers, and resuming store operations have been agreed in advance. Temporary closures are purely technical in nature. There are no problems with product supply, and consumers will not be affected. The networks are sufficiently extensive, so even in the event of a temporary pause in the operation of a particular store, there is always an alternative available," Taras Vysotsky emphasised.

According to the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture there has been no rush demand or shortage of goods. Ukrainians, having endured almost four years of war, are prepared, and all socially important products are delivered to retail outlets systematically and on time.

In addition to selling goods, retail chains are expanding the range of services they offer to the public. In many supermarkets, visitors can recharge their mobile devices, use stable internet connection, heat up food or temporarily stay in a warm room. A significant number of stores are equipped with alternative communication channels.

The Deputy Minister noted that operating on backup power affects the spending of both producers and retailers, but under current conditions, this does not have a critical impact on end prices for consumers. The Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture continues to monitor the situation on a daily basis and is in constant dialogue with retail chains and manufacturers to ensure that Ukrainians have unhindered access to food and essential services.