Govt calls for strong price control measures for Ramadan & Eid

February 21, 2025 (MLN): The need for a coordinated and effective strategy to control the prices of essential goods during Ramadan and Eid was emphasized by the Federal Minister for Planning, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal.

Chairing a meeting to review the federal and provincial price control mechanisms and monitor essential commodity prices for the upcoming religious festivals, he stressed the importance of proactive supply and demand management to prevent unjustified price hikes.

During the meeting, representatives from provincial governments provided detailed briefings on their respective arrangements, according to the press release issued today.

The Ministry of Food reported that the supply and price situation of essential items during Ramadan was expected to remain stable.

Punjab’s bumper potato harvest had led to a significant drop in prices, while onion and tomato prices remained steady, and sugar supply was normal.

The Ministry of Industry was also taking additional steps in this regard.

While global price increases affected cooking oil, there were no availability issues.

Demand for pulses, chicken, and dates was expected to rise, but necessary supply arrangements had been completed.

Additionally, a strong harvest of dates and bananas would ensure their abundance during Ramadan.

The meeting was organized by Chief Money Price and Fiscal Policy Dr. Hassan Mohsin.

It was attended by Secretary Planning Awais Manzoor Sumra, Chief Statistician of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) Dr. Naeem-ul-Zafar, Joint Chief Economist, representatives of the Ministry of National Food, Ministry of Industry and Production, Utility Stores Corporation, as well as Chief Secretaries and Additional Chief Secretaries with their teams.

Dr. Naeem-ul-Zafar informed attendees that PBS was providing comprehensive data on prices and inflation through a decision support system, enabling informed decision-making.

He noted that inflation reduction was evident not only in percentage terms but also in actual price levels.

According to PBS data, the price of a 20-kilogram flour bag had dropped significantly from Rs2,812 in January 2023 to Rs1,736 in January 2024.

All provinces shared updates on their Ramadan price control initiatives.

Punjab introduced the “Nigahban Ramzan Package” worth Rs30 billion, establishing 52 utility markets where 16 essential commodities would be available at discounted rates.

Additionally, 67 model bazaars were being set up, with district committees holding regular price monitoring meetings.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had activated price control teams, while Balochistan mobilized market committees to counter price hikes.

Minister Ahsan Iqbal stressed the need for special attention to both Ramadan and Eid to prevent supply disruptions and delays.

He directed that the price gap between wholesale and retail levels should be appropriately maintained and hoarding must be prevented.

At the conclusion of the meeting, he instructed all provinces and PBS to closely monitor market trends on a daily or biweekly basis, ensuring that the public receives maximum relief

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