Lithuanian government will introduce measures to boost competition in the country's retail market, Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis said on Tuesday.

A set of measures, which should be ready this fall, would be aimed at lowering prices at the country's shopping centers. Though Skvernelis emphasized the government doesn't plan to control prices.

He told national broadcaster LRT, the government will put efforts to boost competition in the country's retail sector, currently dominated by few major retail chains.

Local authorities will first analyze "internal processes" and the contracts between retail chains and their suppliers, said Skvernelis.

"It is very important to look if there aren't any agreements, especially in the case of major retail chains and major suppliers, when suppliers are forced to sell their goods to other chains for higher prices", Skvernelis told LRT.

Retailers in the country reacted on Tuesday saying they are open to more scrutiny on their operations.

"I think investigations into our contracts with suppliers would give positive results. The government would see that there are no forbidden agreements or hidden taxes to suppliers," Laurynas Vilimas with the Lithuania's Association of Retail Companies told news agency BNS.

The PM also said "it is important" to find alternatives for major retail chains, restore small and medium enterprises.

"Historically, we've lost our small and medium enterprises. They used to have competitive, lower prices. We have to restore it," Skvernelis told LRT.

He also noted the government has already ordered to evaluate red tape for small and medium enterprises.

Skvernelis also thinks restrictions on shopping centers' opening hours would also increase competition and support smaller shops.