Islamabad, March 09, 2022 (PPI-OT):Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Mr. Syed Fakhar Imam, Secretary Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Secretary M/o Commerce, Secretary M/o Industries and Production, Provincial Chief Secretaries, Economic Advisor Finance Division, Chief Statistician PBS, MD Utility Stores Corporation, Chairman OGRA, Member Customs FBR, Addl. Deputy Commissioner ICT and other senior officers participated in the meeting. Economic Adviser Finance Division briefed the NPMC about weekly SPI which witnessed increase of 0.04% as compared to increase in previous week by 0.51%.

33 food items contributed increase in the SPI by 0.32%, whereas 18 non-food items contributed decrease of 0.28% to the SPI. NPMC was informed that prices of 19 items remained stable in the last week. The prices of 13 items decreased contributing decline in SPI by 1.16%.

The items which contributed in decline included Petrol by -0.53%, Eggs by -0.11%, Tomatoes by -0.51% and others by 0.01%. Prices of 19 items slightly increased that led to increase in SPI by 1.20% which included Chicken by 0.34%, Fresh Milk by 0.25%, and LPG by 0.23% and others by 0.38%.

NPMC was informed that prices of Tomatoes, Eggs, Hi-Speed Diesel, Petrol Super, Garlic, Pulse Moog, Pulse Masoor, Onions, Wheat Flour Bag, Sugar, Potatoes, Pulse Mash, Gur and Chillies Powder have shown decline in the prices during the last week. It was informed that prices of Onion are lowest as compared to its prices 3 years earlier. The NPMC was updated on the Wheat Flour prices in the country.

The Secretary Ministry of NFS and R informed on the stock position of Wheat and further apprised on the future requirements and the strategy for sustainable availability of Wheat in the country. The Chair directed the Balochistan authorities to ensure stability in the prices of Wheat flour by maintaining the daily release of Wheat to the Flour Mills.

The Finance Minister asked the relevant authorities to analyse and estimate the wheat stocks closely. NPMC was also apprised on the sugar prices in the country. Secretary Ministry of I and P briefed the meeting on the process for building strategic reserves of sugar in the country to maintain stability in prices.

Sugar price is at Rs. 89 again with a decline of -0.3% which is highly plausible. NPMC was also briefed on the prices of Pulses in the country, NPMC was informed that there was stability in price of Gram Pulse, while price of Moong pulse decreased by Rs. 6 per kg during last six weeks.

Price of Mash Pulse decreased by Rs. 3 per kg during last six weeks and price of Masoor pulse decreased by Rs. 2 per kg during last six weeks. It was apprised that prices of eggs decreased by Rs. 32 per dozen during last 6 weeks and overall there is improvement in market supply of eggs, onions, potatoes and tomatoes. The price of potatoes has decreased by Rs. 4 per kg during last 6 weeks.

There has been increase in the price of chicken due to supply disruptions. These disruptions are linked with sudden increase in demand of chicken. But it was ensured that the prices of chicken will be back to normal price in near future. On the prices of palm oil and Soybean in the country, Secretary Ministry of I and P informed the meeting on available stocks of edible oil.

The Finance Minister asked for researching on alternatives to minimize the dependency on import of these products and asked for devising a strategic plan for meeting the demand. It was informed to the Chair that sufficient amount of stock of Soybean and Palm oil are available to meet the arising demand in the country.

The meeting also discussed Fertilizer situation and was informed that there is no shortage of Fertilizers and urea in the country. M/o Industries and Production in consultation with M/o NFS and R and provincial governments has been asked to make a plan for provision of subsidy for DAP to farmers before the upcoming Kharif season. The chair directed M/o Commerce to formulate a viable plan for price determination of potatoes.

The Chair re-directed Ministry of NFS and R to expedite the process to formulate forecasting unit for major and minor crops for timely decision making. In the concluding remarks, the Finance Minister commended the efforts being undertaken for stabilizing the prices of essential items successfully and measures to ensure smooth supply of essential commodities throughout the country.

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