As of the end of 2008, bread prices in several shops in Stepanakert, the capital of Karabakh, have fallen, a fact that has brougt a smile to the face of local resident Lyudmila Davtyan. "This is the best news in terms of the latest round of price changes. Price drops have essentially been for bread and vegetable oil, two basic food items," noted Ms. Davtyan. The price drop in bread came soon after public agencies of the RMK and the committee created to safeguard economic competition announced that an investigation would be carried out regarding bread prices. At an year end press conference, committee President Vatche Adamyan noted that they had contacted bread producers in the country regarding the requirements as set forth by laws on the books designed to insure economic competition.