In a bid to ensure fair pricing and curb hoarding of essential commodities, the Punjab government has issued the Punjab Price Control Essential Commodities Ordinance and established the Price Control Council under its purview.
The Council, headed by the Provincial Minister of Industry, will now be responsible for determining the prices of essential goods, taking action against hoarders, and establishing a code for the entry and exit of goods at the district level.
This move marks a significant shift in authority, as the Price Control Magistrates, who previously operated under the instructions of the Federal Government, will now fall under the jurisdiction of the Punjab government. This centralized approach aims to enhance coordination and streamline price regulation efforts within the province.
To ensure transparency and consumer protection, the Price Control Council will mandate the display of price lists by vendors of essential goods. This list will include prices fixed by the Council, ensuring that consumers are aware of the authorized rates and can make informed purchasing decisions.
The establishment of the Price Control Council and the associated measures are expected to bring much-needed stability to the pricing of essential commodities in Punjab. By empowering provincial authorities to regulate prices and take action against hoarding, the government aims to protect consumers from price gouging and ensure a fair and equitable distribution of essential goods
