Some 63 percent support ban on consumer price rises – poll

December 13, BPN. Some 63 percent of respondents in Belarus supported Alaksandr Łukašenka’s decision to freeze consumer prices, a BEROC poll indicates.

Nearly 30 percent of those polled in November said the decision was “definitely correct.” In addition, 34 percent said it was “likely correct.” It was called “likely incorrect” by 13 percent of respondents, and “definitely incorrect” by nine percent. Fourteen percent did not answer.

BEROC said the freeze was backed by 40 percent of independent media followers and 74 percent of state media followers.

Almost half of those polled, including the measure’s backers, said they’ve noticed its negative effects, such as shortages of goods.

Łukašenka instructed the government to freeze consumer prices on October 6, in a bid to curb galloping inflation. He demanded that any price increases should be authorized by the state.