BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s agriculture ministry urged local authorities on Friday to ensure stable production and supplies of vegetables during winter after a surge in the prices of produce.

High-water levels in northern regions caused by heavy rainfall pushed up vegetables’ prices. This is a worrying sign that consumers should be prepared for an increase in energy prices ahead of winter.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs stated that local authorities should “strengthen their responsibility and make ensuring stability in production and supply of vegetables an important task.”

Some regions’ vegetable prices have gone up since September. The reason is weather disasters, increased production costs and power restrictions.

The call comes as Beijing focuses on food security after the COVID-19 pandemic, as the world’s top consumer struggles with an unpreceded power crunch that has pushed up production costs.

It asked the ministry to ask local governments for sufficient vegetable stockpiles in an emergency. They were urged to maintain stable prices and supply vegetables during winter and spring, in particular during festivals like the Lunar New Year, Spring Festival, and Winter Olympics.

The plan also recommended emergency planning to protect against adverse weather or diseases.