Commerce Ministry confident of sufficient vegetarian food supplies

SAMUT PRAKAN, Oct 21 (TNA) -- Deputy Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong inspected the sales of consumer products during the Vegetarian Festival and found their prices rose 10-15%. Mr Sontirat said while visiting the Pak Nam food market that the prices of raw materials for vegetarian foods including vegetables increased by a normal extent of 10-15% reflecting higher demand. The prices of fresh vegetables went up slightly while the prices of many vegetables remained unchanged due to their ongoing crop season, including cabbage, Chinese cabbage and yardlong bean. Prices rose among leafy vegetables that were damaged by heavy rain, Mr Sontirat said. He also said that the Internal Trade Department was sourcing enough vegetables for 22 markets it certified to ensure enough supplies during the Vegetarian Festival. According to Mr Sontirat, flooding does not have a serious impact on raw materials for vegetarian food because most vegetables are grown in the North. Their prices will return to normal after the festival. (TNA)