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The Ministry of Commerce has confirmed that while food prices may stay at their current higher levels, there should no further dramatic rises over the upcoming Spring Festival. Chen Lijun reports on how the government is sending out teams to monitor prices and supplies in markets across the country.

A spokesman from the Ministry of Commerce says the government has adopted various measures to ensure sufficient supplies and stable prices. The ministry does not think there will be big fluctuations in food prices during the Spring Festival.

Wang Xinpei, Spokesman of Ministry of Commerce said "High animal-feed prices and labor costs, as well as consumption patterns and weather conditions are likely to keep the prices of pork and cooking oil high level during the Spring Festival. But there're unlikely to be any dramatic rises."

Meanwhile, inspection groups have been sent to visit pig breeding bases, food processing factories, wholesale markets and supermarkets. They will examine supplies and prices of staples food items, including pork, meat, rice and cooking oil. They will also be urging local authorities to strengthen supervision and curb illegal activities.

Recent heavy snowfall across the country has affected the transportation of farm produce, pushing up prices in many markets. But the ministry says the government has drafted emergency plans to deal with possible bad weather conditions during the holiday period.