Chaired Meeting on Civilian Stability Amidst Middle East Conflict, Premier Cho: Domestic Situation Stabilizing

Central News Agency (Central News Agency Reporter Gao Huaqian Taipei, April 20) Premier Cho Jung-tai chaired the "Special Project Meeting on Civilian Stability in Response to the Middle East Conflict" today, stating that the domestic overall situation has stabilized, reflecting the concrete results of the various ministries' previous measures in stabilizing prices. Cho Jung-tai said that the international situation remains uncertain, with international oil prices fluctuating. Although they briefly declined last week, they have risen again recently, indicating high external uncertainty. The government will continue to maintain domestic civilian and economic stability through measures such as matching upstream and downstream supply chains, price subsidies, monitoring international raw material fluctuations, and inter-ministerial joint inspections. He pointed out that the focus of this meeting is still to grasp the latest situation of the Middle East conflict and to assess whether there are new situations or additional response needs in the domestic context. He asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to continue to grasp the regional situation and explain it in a timely manner; if the overall situation remains stable, existing measures should be continuously reviewed and adjusted. If new risks arise or reinforcements are needed, adjustment plans should be proposed immediately to facilitate overall response. Regarding the supply of daily necessities, Cho Jung-tai stated that the government continues to promote the "Affordable Price Project" for plastics and actively matches upstream and downstream supply chains. For example, plastic bag processor Wan Shanghao has joined the project and supplies 20,000 plastic bags to retailer Xiao Bei Department Store. Various retail channels continue to replenish stocks and track related plastic product demands. The government also welcomes businesses willing to sell plastic bags to provide lists of upstream manufacturers, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs will assist in matching raw material supplies to ensure the stability of daily necessities. Regarding asphalt supply, he pointed out that CPC and SFC have an asphalt inventory of 61,000 tons. Estimating domestic demand at about 19,000 tons per month, it is confirmed that there is sufficient supply until the end of June this year. Additionally, to ensure the production capacity of domestic pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, the Ministry of Economic Affairs will coordinate to prioritize the supply of plastic raw materials to the pharmaceutical industry. Furthermore, the Ministry of Transportation continues to subsidize gasoline for public buses, domestic ships, and domestic aircraft. Currently, domestic fertilizer raw materials are sufficient to meet demand from August to December this year. The government will continue to maintain frozen fertilizer prices, implement subsidies for fertilizer raw material price increases, and closely monitor international fertilizer raw material price fluctuations. Cho Jung-tai pointed out that currently, most ministries are assisting industries and the public on the front lines, actively responding to various needs and feedback. The investigation and procuratorial, anti-corruption systems, and police agencies under the Ministry of Justice, combined with relevant local government units, are investigating to maintain market order. According to current information, there has been no continuous increase in related illegal cases, and existing cases have been properly handled. However, the public remains concerned about prices, so all ministries should continue to respond proactively and actively handle issues. Cho Jung-tai emphasized that with raw material prices still fluctuating, the government will continue to strengthen inter-ministerial joint inspections to prevent unreasonable price increases and collusive behavior. In the future, if raw material prices stabilize, the government will continue to monitor whether commodity prices are reasonably adjusted. In addition to operating in accordance with current legal regulations, it can also guide businesses to fulfill their social responsibilities through promotion and communication. If prices in the market still do not reasonably reflect cost changes, appropriate mechanisms will be studied to reduce the burden on the public. The Fair Trade Commission and relevant industry authorities are urged to jointly strengthen the upstream and downstream operating mechanisms to maintain market order. (Editor: Lin Kelun, Lin Xingmeng) 1150420