Islamabad: The federal government has directed provincial authorities to take action against dealers who are not passing on the full benefit of reduced petroleum prices to consumers.
Despite a consistent decline in petroleum product prices, the full benefit has not reached the public due to negligence from provincial governments. In response, the federal government has decided to address the issue and instructed provincial administrations to take strict action against those responsible.
The decision was made during a recent meeting of the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC). The Secretary of the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives referred to the decisions and urged provincial governments to implement them to provide relief to the public.
According to the decisions, all provincial governments are required to prepare reports on the steps taken to pass on the benefits of reduced petroleum prices to consumers and share them with the federal authorities.
Despite the reduction in petroleum product prices, the cost of 18 food items, including pulses, has increased. Prices of garlic, ghee, potatoes, onions, sugar, and cooking oil have risen, while prices of 10 other items have decreased. This has caused concern at the highest levels, prompting efforts to curb rising prices.
During the meeting, it was also decided that the Ministry of National Food Security and Research will present a detailed report on pulses at the next meeting. The Punjab government is expected to present its strategy to address the decline in pulse production, and the State Bank will also submit a detailed report on the issue.
