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Coronavirus: China’s e-commerce platform operators asked to help stabilise prices in Xian, epicentre of latest outbreak
- The market regulator of Xian called on more than 20 e-commerce and on-demand delivery providers to help steady prices of daily necessities in the city
- China’s on-demand food and grocery delivery platforms currently find it hard to secure supplies and delivery personnel because of Xian’s lockdown measures
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The market regulator of Xian, capital of northwestern Shaanxi province, has asked more than 20 e-commerce and on-demand delivery platform operators including JD.com and Meituan to help stabilise prices, as the city of 13 million remained under lockdown and faced further restrictions amid a surge in Covid-19 cases.
The Xian Market Regulation Administration Bureau, according to local media reports, initially summoned these operators for a lecture after some local residents complained about rising prices of fresh vegetables and meat, which was caused by disrupted supplies and delivery shortages amid the lockdown.
Xian, which is at the epicentre of China’s latest Covid-19 outbreak, escalated its lockdown measures on Monday, barring most people from leaving residential compounds, except those on disease control duties and so-called workers necessary for livelihood. The city started its six-day lockdown on December 23 in a bid to control the spread of infection.
Despite current difficulties, China’s e-commerce platform operators have responded to the Xian market regulator’s call to ensure basic supplies.
JD.com will “strive to ensure sufficient supply and stable prices” through its online and offline channels in Xian, a company spokeswoman confirmed on Tuesday.
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New Covid-19 lockdown imposed on Chinese city of Xian, home to famed terracotta warriors
New Covid-19 lockdown imposed on Chinese city of Xian, home to famed terracotta warriors
Representatives from Meituan and Alibaba Group Holding did not immediately respond to inquiries for comment. E-commerce giant Alibaba owns the South China Morning Post.
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