China cuts power prices in agricultural sector

BEIJING - Electricity prices for all businesses in agricultural production and logistics will be cut from June 1, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) announced on Wednesday.

Pork and vegetable producers will now enjoy the same electricity prices as other agricultural production businesses, which were already benefiting from preferential costs, the commission said in a statement.

Agricultural wholesale and farm produce markets, as well as refrigerator storage facilities will be charged the same for electricity as industrial producers, the statement said.

The move will save 500 million yuan (80.78 million U.S. dollars) in the agricultural production and logistics (annually) sector. For example, a farm with about 30,000 pigs will save 100,000 yuan on electricity each year, according to the statement.

The move is expected to reduce soaring costs in logistics and further stabilize farm produce prices, the statement said.

The State Council, China's cabinet, in early January issued a circular asking local authorities to ensure the implementation of a range of measures aimed at cutting logistics costs for farm produce amid climbing food prices.