Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday reviewed measures to ensure price stability of essential commodities during Ramzan and directed officials concerned to take stringent measures to curb hoarding and profiteering.
Chairing a high-level meeting convened to review prices of essential commodities during Ramzan and Eidul Fitr, he said measures must be taken to ensure maximum relief for the public.
Referring to the recent hike in global prices of ghee and edible oil, the meeting reviewed measures to stabilize prices, maintain an uninterrupted supply chain, and take strict action against hoarders. Emphasizing that the public should be protected from economic hardship, he described hoarding and profiteering, especially during religious festivities, as unethical practices requiring the strictest action.
Expressing concern over annual trend of price hikes during Ramzan and Eid, Iqbal instructed all relevant authorities to ensure the timely availability of essential goods, maintain price stability, and take immediate and decisive measures to curb hoarding.
Representatives from all provinces briefed the meeting on the current supply, pricing, and stock levels of essential commodities. The minister urged the relevant stakeholders to closely monitor market prices and take legal action against anyone involved in profiteering and artificial shortages.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring the public was unburdened with unnecessary price hikes, Iqbal stressed the importance of proactive measures and effective market monitoring to prevent any disruptions in the supply of essential commodities.
Apart from Iqbal, Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain and several senior officials of various organizations attended the meeting.