Ali Hassan
On the report of a government organization tasked with monitoring price control measures, the Punjab chief secretary took notice of the sale of flour at higher than fixed price in some areas of Lahore and ordered the authorities to take stern action against those found involved in the
profiteering.
He was presiding over a meeting on price control. With the indication of those overcharging consumers for flour in Tajpura and some other parts of the city, the CEO Urban Unit presented a spot price survey report in the meeting. According to the report, flour is being sold at price fixed by the government in all other districts of the province.
The CS said that as per the directives of the Prime Minister and Punjab chief minister, the Special Branch, Intelligence Bureau, and Urban Unit have been assigned to monitor the prices and availability of essential commodities, especially flour and sugar. He said that like Sahulat bazaars the field officers should keep a close watch on the prices, availability, and quality of essential items in the open market as well.
The CS directed that in the light of the report of the Forecasting Committee, all the deputy commissioners prepare a list of demand and supply of essential commodities in their districts for the whole year to ensure there is no shortage of any item. “The short supply is the main reason for the increase in prices,” he maintained. He asked the officers to continue overseeing the auction process in the fruits and vegetable markets to check prices.
The Secretary Industries briefed the meeting that due to the measures taken by the government, flour and sugar are available in abundance in the open market and the provision of vegetables, fruits, and other items at discounted rates in the Sahulat bazaars has brought relief to the common man. He said that according to the report of the Forecasting Committee, the prices of potatoes, tomatoes, and onions would come down after an increase in their supply in Punjab by the end of November.
