Minister Orders Enhanced Monitoring of Food Prices Amid Rising Costs

ISLAMABAD: The National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC) convened on Wednesday to address the widening gap between wholesale and retail prices of essential commodities, as well as to oversee transport fares amid a surge in food prices.

During the meeting, chaired by Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal, officials reviewed the current inflation trends and the pricing of vital goods. Iqbal expressed alarm over the escalating costs of essential items, particularly wheat flour, and instructed provincial and district administrations to enhance their oversight of supply chains, market arrivals, and to combat hoarding and profiteering.

This directive comes at a critical time as citizens face increasing financial pressure due to rising prices. The minister emphasized the need for a thorough comparison of current transport fares against those prior to the last fuel price hike, to ascertain if the fuel price increase has led to disproportionate fare adjustments.

Looking ahead, Iqbal has tasked the Ministry of Food Security with investigating the persistent high prices of DAP fertilizer in Pakistan, despite a decrease in international market rates. The government aims to ensure that the benefits of lower global prices are passed on to local consumers.