Islamabad: Meeting of National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC) was held Wednesday under the chair of Advisor to PM on Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin.

Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research Syed Fakhar Imam, federal secretaries and other high-level entities participated in the meeting.

Committee reviewed the prices of wheat, sugar, pulses, chicken and other essential food items in the country.

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, Secretary Finance apprised that prices of 06 essential commodities registered decline whereas prices of 15 items remained stable during the last week, he added.

Adviser Finance Shaukat Tarin commended the efforts of provincial governments 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.

Sindh government’s Chief Secretary briefed the meeting that Sindh Government is taking possible measures to control the price of wheat in the province by timely releasing the stocks.

Moreover, 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.

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.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance & Revenue also informed that government has firm commitment to prevent hoarding, therefore, a whistle blower against hoarders law shall be introduced and enforced soon.