BEIJING - A Chinese commerce official said Sunday that the government will take concrete measures to ensure an adequate food supply and stable prices ahead of Spring Festival.

Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng said during an inspection tour of a Beijing market that the ministry will strengthen daily monitoring of the market supply and keep a close eye on prices.

Good weather has boosted food production and facilitated transportation this year, said Gao, citing comparatively stable prices in the run up to Spring Festival, now less than a week away.

Farm produce prices in 36 major Chinese cities were up 1.8 percent in the week ending January 19 over the beginning of December less than the 4 to 5 percent increase during the same period in previous years.

Gao said the government will release reserves of meat and vegetables to the market when necessary.