Essential commodities: Punjab introduces new mechanism to fix prices

LAHORE: The Punjab government has introduced a new mechanism for fixing the prices of essential commodities to eliminate rate disparities in districts across the province. Under the new formula, prices will be determined based on supply sources, distance from markets, and production seasons in accordance with supply and quality (grading) of items.

Chairing a price control meeting at the Civil Secretariat on Monday, Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman stated that fixing high auction prices in markets (mandis) amounts to consumers’ exploitation. A five-year comparative review presented during the meeting indicated that prices during the current Ramazan have remained at a lower level compared to the previous year.

The chief secretary directed the deputy commissioners to personally monitor the auction process, noting that if prices are high at the wholesale level, it becomes impossible to provide relief to people in the general market. He emphasized that there would be no compromise on the supply, quality, or security of Ramazan bazaars.

The briefing revealed that 421 “Nigheban Ramazan Dastarkhwans” are currently functional across the province, benefiting over 120,000 individuals. According to official data, more than 821,000 people visited Ramazan bazaars on Sunday where over 500,000 kg of items were sold, resulting in a collective saving of Rs 6.3 million for the public.

The officials briefed that the authorities have intensified its crackdown on profiteers. Out of 63,644 inspections conducted across the province, 4,526 violations were reported. This resulted in over Rs 7.8 million in fines, the registration of 52 FIRs, and 560 arrests. The meeting was attended by the CEO of the Urban Unit, Secretary Food Safety, and the Additional IG Special Branch, while all divisional and deputy commissioners participated via video link.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026