PMC meeting reviews prices: Transport fares decline by 30pc in some cities; prices of essential commodities show mixed trend

ISLAMABAD: In a bid to closely monitor inflationary trends and ensure relief for consumers, the National Price Monitoring Committee on Saturday reviewed the prices of essential commodities, transport fares, and supply chain conditions during a high-level online meeting chaired by Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives.

The meeting was briefed by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, which reported a notable decline in transport costs due to government subsidies.

According to the data, transport fares dropped by 20 to 30 percent in several cities. However, taking notice of rising fares in Karachi, the federal minister directed the Sindh government to take immediate corrective action.

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Weekly price data showed mixed trends in essential commodities, with prices of eight items declining while 28 items recorded increases. Garlic, bananas, chicken, and wheat flour saw reductions of 3.78 percent, 3.39 percent, 1.05 percent, and 0.73 percent, respectively. In contrast, significant increases were observed in diesel, petrol, tomatoes, LPG, and potatoes.

Officials further informed the committee that the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) remained largely stable, recorded at 1.93 percent for the week. Prices of ghee and cooking oil remained steady, while domestic prices of fertilizers were kept under control despite a global upward trend.

The meeting also expressed concern over large discrepancies between wholesale and retail prices in several cities, particularly Karachi, where differences of up to 142 percent in tomatoes and 117 percent in potatoes were observed.

The minister instructed provincial governments to ensure better coordination to bridge the gap between wholesale and retail markets. Ahsan Iqbal also directed authorities to take strict action against profiteering and hoarding, ensure an uninterrupted fertilizer supply, and maintain availability ahead of the upcoming sowing season. He emphasized the need for stronger monitoring mechanisms to track price fluctuations more effectively.

Concluding the meeting, he said that, under the special directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the government is committed to providing maximum relief to the public and preventing abnormal price hikes in essential goods.

He added that while some stability has been achieved, sustained and coordinated efforts are still required to fully stabilize prices across the country.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026