The government has put caps on price increase for essential goods. The list includes 62 items, with foods, non-food products and medicines among them. Throughout February their prices are to remain unchanged. And starting with March the max allowable increase is set at 0.2 percent per month. The new rules apply to both government-owned and private stores. The Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade is also constantly monitoring the situation. The mandatory stock lists for some goods allow avoiding shortages and providing buyers with choice.