The Addis Abeba City Administration has designated 108 market areas in the capital in preparation for the upcoming new year holiday. Of the designated areas, 56 are assigned to the trade of livestock while the remaining 52 are for the produce market. Over 250,000 quintals of consumer goods are available in the markets. The City Administration is hoping the designated areas will contribute to easing price hikes on goods while lowering congestion in the capital and increasing accessibility to residents. Last week, the federal government announced that consumer goods such as edible oil, sugar and rice are exempted from value-added tax and duties.