ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh has directed to take all possible measures to bring down prices of essential items, including eggs, wheat flour and tomatoes.

He was Chairing meeting of the National Price Monitoring Committee today in Islamabad today.

The Finance Minister directed the provincial governments to keep close watch on the prices of wheat to avoid hoarding, black marketing and smuggling to ensure uninterrupted supply of wheat at affordable prices.

The NPMC was briefed that there has been a nominal increase in weekly Sensitive Price Indicator by 0.11 percent. Prices of ten basic items decreased notably onions, potatoes and chicken whereas eggs, wheat flour and tomatoes registered a slight increase during the week.

It was informed that the wheat stock position is sufficient for the domestic consumption and average per day release to the provinces is also satisfactory.

Minister for Industries and Production Hammad Azhar apprised that they are closely monitoring the prices of sugar and edible oil to ensure uninterrupted supply at fair prices.