CAIRO, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's strategic commodity reserves are sufficient to last six months, and the government is working to increase them to cover an additional two or three months, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said at a press conference following a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
Madbouly added that the government has decided to boost reserves of basic commodities and expand the number of mobile vehicles and retail outlets offering goods at discounted prices.
He said that the government has taken measures to strengthen strategic commodity reserves to curb any unjustified price hikes and maintain market stability in the coming period, stressing the government's commitment to balancing economic reform with easing burdens on citizens.
Madbouly also noted that the government is ensuring sufficient reserves of medicines and medical supplies.
His remarks came amid regional tensions that have disrupted global supply chains and driven up oil prices.
These pressures have prompted the government to raise fuel prices and reduce evening operating hours for some stores to save energy, while the Egyptian pound has also weakened against the U.S. dollar, contributing to rising prices. ■
