Staff Reporter Islamabad
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 & 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 prduce 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 o 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&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.
