A villager transfers vegetable seedlings at a greenhouse base for vegetable plantation in Jinggang Town of Wangcheng District, Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, Dec. 21, 2023. Effective measures have been taken at local greenhouse base for vegetable plantation, such as applying more agricultural greenhouse films and employing supplement lights, to minimize the impact inflicted by snowfall and other freezing conditions on vegetable cultivation and ensure stable supply. (Photo:Xinhua)

 
China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) held press conference on Thursday detailing its efforts to maintain critical supplies amid extreme cold winter weather, as temperature dropped sharply across China.

MOFCOM has worked to strengthen availability of critical supplies. On Saturday, it has worked with local governments to organize emergency plans to respond to the recent cold spell, based on earlier plans made at the start of December, said Shu Jueting, a spokesperson for the MOFCOM.

The recent sharp drop in temperature across China and the strong rain and snow across the country have affected the supply of essential goods in some areas, impacting the daily life of local residents, one expert noted.

The ministry established a market warning system for essential commodities such as grain, oil, meat, eggs, milk, fruits and vegetable, to stay ahead of market conditions, while also strengthening market monitoring and early warnings, Shu said.

MOFCOM is organizing the transportation of goods, helping to connect production and marketing of meat and vegetable goods, to even distribution . The ministry is also adjusting reserves and prepare to put meat and vegetable reserves into circulation, according to Shu.

In response to the extreme weather, the Chinese State Council recently held a meeting to call for central state-owned enterprises’ to better control risk prevention, supply of critical goods, and safe work operations, according to Xinhua.

China is experiencing a major cold spell that has disrupted road, rail and air traffic, the cold wave is also slowing delivery services in the most affected areas. The Chinese State Post Bureau issued warnings on increased pressure on express transportation and delivery on December 14, urging the public to remain patient about possible courier delays.