China has stepped up contingency measures to ensure supply of necessities in southern areas hit by a lingering cold snap, said the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) on Tuesday.

The ministry has, together with governments of several southwestern provinces, started a contingency plan to ensure supply of daily necessities such as vegetables and diesel, said Yao Jian, spokesman of the MOC said at a news briefing here.

The ministry has prepared for increased consumer demand as the traditional Spring Festival approaches, he said.

It is building up more reserves of vegetables, pork and sugar, and is keeping a close eye on imports and exports of important commodities, he added.

(Xinhua News Agency January 19, 2011)