The closing of markets selling fruit and vegetables in a move to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 infection requires maximum responsibility of stores. An analysis published on the platform EastFruit, which presents information about the fruit and vegetable markets eastwards the EU, says the main problem of supermarkets in Moldova is not the prices that are higher than at the market, but the relatively low quality of products, IPN reports.

The elder is the buyer, the more often this makes purchases at the market, shows an opinion poll presented by the analysis authors. Approximately 86% of the buyers aged over 56 buy fresh fruit and vegetables only from open areas where these are retailed.  

Given the restricting of trade in markets, the buyers, regardless of age, reorient themselves to shops. In such conditions, the shop chains can increase the prices of fruit and vegetables. According to the authors, in the created situation the authorities should step up control over the quality of products and prices.

All the retail units in Moldova, except for drugstores, grocery stores and filling stations, stopped work on March 16. All the markets, regardless of the type of goods they sell, were also closed. The restriction for a number of commercial activities will be lifted on March 23. The measure refers to separate retail outlets that sell hygiene products, fodder, seeds and spare parts for motor vehicles.