National Price Monitoring Committee reviews inflation trends, market supply and food quality measures to protect consumers and ensure price stability.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has directed the Ministry of Science and Technology to accelerate the testing and analysis of cooking oil, ghee and milk samples to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the quality of products available in the market.
The directive was issued during a meeting of the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC), which reviewed the prevailing price situation, supply mechanisms and measures aimed at maintaining price stability and protecting consumer interests.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the federal and provincial governments, regional administrations, Islamabad Capital Territory authorities and departments responsible for food quality, market regulation, standardisation and price monitoring.
During the session, the committee examined recent movements in essential commodity prices, inflation trends and market dynamics. It also assessed ongoing efforts to strengthen price monitoring systems, improve supply chain efficiency and enhance coordination among stakeholders.
Ahsan Iqbal stressed the importance of effective collaboration among federal, provincial and district administrations to ensure smooth market operations. He directed relevant authorities to further strengthen monitoring mechanisms and adopt proactive measures to improve market efficiency.
The minister highlighted the need to narrow the gap between wholesale and retail markets through better supply chain management and closer coordination with provincial and regional authorities.
He said transparent monitoring and efficient market systems are essential to ensure that consumers benefit from improved supply conditions.
Emphasising food safety and evidence-based policymaking, Ahsan Iqbal instructed the Ministry of Science and Technology to complete the technical evaluation of cooking oil, ghee and milk samples at the earliest.
He also asked relevant stakeholders to continue engaging with edible oil and ghee manufacturers to review market trends and identify opportunities to maintain stable prices through effective coordination.
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics briefed the committee on inflation trends, commodity prices and wholesale-retail price patterns, while the Ministry of National Food Security and Research informed participants that sufficient stocks of essential agricultural inputs, including fertilisers, are available to meet domestic demand.
The meeting also discussed strengthening wholesale markets in major urban centres to improve distribution networks.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to consumer welfare, Ahsan Iqbal said coordinated efforts, modern market systems and effective monitoring remain essential for maintaining a balanced and efficient economy.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue proactive monitoring and enhance institutional coordination to safeguard consumer interests and ensure sustainable price stability.
