Islamabad, November 17, 2021 (PPI-OT):Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue, Mr. Shaukat Tarin, presided over the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC) meeting held at the Finance Division. Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam, Federal Secretaries, Chairperson CCP, MD Utility Stores Corporation, Chairman TCP, Provincial Chief Secretaries, Chief Statistician PBS and other senior officers participated in the meeting.
National Price Monitoring Committee reviewed the prices of wheat, sugar, pulses, chicken and other essential food items in the country. The Secretary Finance briefed the NPMC about the weekly SPI situation which has been increased by 1.81% during the week under review. While reviewing the price trend of essential commodities, the Secretary Finance apprised that prices of 06 essential commodities registered decline whereas prices of 15 items remained stable during the last week, he added.
The Secretary Finance also apprised the meeting that prices of essential commodities registered decline as compared to same period last year. The prices of Moog Pulse and Onion have registered decline in the week.
The NPMC also emphasized on building strategic reserves of Moong and providing incentives to farmers to produce Maash pulse domestically to lessen the import dependence. The Secretary Finance further updated NPMC that the prices of wheat flour bags remained consistent at Rs. 1100 per 20 kg due to the proactive measures of the Punjab, KP Governments and ICT administration.
The Adviser Finance commended the efforts of the Government of the Punjab, KP and Islamabad administration and expressed concern over the significant price difference of wheat flour in Sindh and Baluchistan Provinces as compared to other Provinces. He advised the Provincial Chief Secretaries of Sindh and Baluchistan to increase the daily releases of wheat to improve the supply situation in the markets and make efforts to bring the prices of wheat at lower level.
Chief Secretary, Government of Sindh briefed the NPMC that Sindh Government is taking possible measures to control the price of wheat in the province by timely releasing the stocks. The Secretary M/o NFS and R briefed the NPMC about sufficient availability of stock of wheat with the Provinces and PASSCO. While reviewing the price of sugar in the country, the Secretary Finance informed that prices are easing out in Punjab, KP and Islamabad due to start of crushing of crop of sugar and proactive measures of the government.
The Advisor expressed concern on the high prices of sugar at retail level in Sindh and Baluchistan despite start of crushing. The Secretary M/o Industries and Production informed the meeting that sugar mills in Sindh and Punjab have started production, hence with arrival of new stocks of sugar in the market the prices will be lower in the coming days.
While reviewing the prices of edible oil, the NMPC observed that the increase in prices of edible oil in the global market has affected the local prices. Similarly, seasonal factor has affected the prices of chicken and eggs. The meeting took notice of higher price of vegetable ghee in Sasta Bazaar of KP and directed the Chief Secretary KP to take necessary corrective measures to ease out prices.
The Adviser emphasized FBR to accelerate the monitoring of supply side of edible oil effectively to keep the prices stable. Observing the stock position of Fertilizers, the Adviser directed the provincial governments to take strict actions against Fertilizer’s hoarders and prevent shortage. The NPMC observed that Sastaa and Sahulat Bazaars in Punjab are offering essential goods at subsidized prices.
The Adviser to the PM on Finance and Revenue commended the efforts of the Government of the Punjab and Islamabad administration in providing key items at discounted prices through arranging Sastaa Bazaars. The Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue also informed that government has firm commitment to prevent hoarding, therefore, a whistle blower against hoarders law shall be introduced and enforced soon.
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