The total sales achieved by public sector companies during the winter discount have hit EGP 44 million, three million more than last year's season, said Supply and Internal Trade Minister Khaled Hanafy. As many as 1,535 violations were reported during the winter discount period of February and March, Hanafy said. A total of 3,087 shops and companies have participated in the sale, he said, addng that the offered sales ranged from 5 to 70% on all products. Sellers are not obliged to take part in the sale season, he noted