NPMC reviews essential goods prices, transport fares and supply chain

ISLAMABAD: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday presided over an online meeting of the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC), where participants examined the prices of essential commodities, transport fares and the broader supply chain situation across the country.

According to a news release, the committee received a briefing from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on recent trends in transport costs. The PBS told the meeting that transport expenses had fallen markedly because of government subsidies, leading to fare reductions of 20 to 30 percent in several cities.

The meeting reviewed the impact of these changes as part of a wider assessment of price movements and the availability of essential goods. It also took stock of the overall supply chain situation nationwide.

During the session, Ahsan Iqbal took notice of higher transport fares in Karachi despite the broader decline reported in other urban centres. He directed the Sindh government to take immediate corrective action over the increase in fares in the city.

Transport fares discussed in national review

The official briefing presented to the NPMC linked the reduction in transport costs to subsidies provided by the government. The committee was informed that this had translated into lower fares in multiple cities, with decreases ranging between 20 and 30 percent.

However, Karachi emerged as an exception during the review. The minister’s direction to the Sindh government came after the meeting was informed about increased fares in the provincial capital.

Committee examines prices and supply chain

Alongside transport fares, the NPMC meeting also focused on the prices of essential commodities and the state of supply chains across Pakistan. The review formed part of the committee’s broader monitoring of market conditions and the movement of goods.

The session was held online and brought together officials for an assessment of issues affecting prices and transport costs in different parts of the country. The news release said the discussion covered essential commodity prices, transport fares and the overall supply chain situation.

The PBS briefing and the minister’s directions were among the key outcomes of the meeting, with the issue of Karachi’s fare increase drawing specific attention from the chair.