A meeting reviewed the progress of supply of essential commodities after recent flash floods in the country. Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal vowed to ensure the smooth supply of essential commodities in local markets and there should be no speculations to disturb the market. He was chairing a meeting of the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC).

Chief economist, chief secretary, representatives of the FBR, the PBS and the Ministry of Food Security and Industries participated. The meeting noted that in order to ensure the supply of edibles and to maintain their prices after the floods in the country, the ministry of planning commission took a lead while activating the the NPMC last week. On a weekly basis, the NPMC reviews prices of essential items and ensures that there should be no speculation over the prices in the market and distribution of essential commodities should not be delayed.

The minister directed the stakeholders to take stern action against those responsible for hoarding. He also directed the chief secretaries of all provinces to ensure that there should be no hoarding of essential items, particularly wheat. He was informed that after the import of tomatoes and onions the prices had decreased in the market.

It was further informed that from next week the prices would further decrease in order to benefit the people.
Iqbal directed the Ministry of National Food Security and Industries to immediately take the steps to reduce the prices of palm oil. “The results are not seen on the ground after the decrease of palm oil prices,” he said.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk