The federal government has instructed the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) to speed up its investigation into suspected cartel behavior in the edible oil and ghee market, as authorities increase pressure to curb food inflation across the country.
The matter came under discussion during a recent meeting of the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC), where officials reviewed the latest trends in essential commodity prices and evaluated steps needed to improve affordability.
The Finance Division has been directed to assist the CCP and ensure the inquiry progresses quickly. CCP officials told the committee their investigation into possible coordinated pricing practices is still underway and the findings will be shared once the review is finalized.
The meeting, chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, also called for joint action by the Ministry of National Food Security, Ministry of Industries, and provincial governments to stabilize key food prices ahead of Ramazan.
The State Bank of Pakistan has been asked to present a comprehensive update at the next NPMC session, outlining district-wise loan disbursements to farmers in flood-hit areas, along with data on farm and non-farm credit.
To address supply bottlenecks, the Ministry of Industries & Production has been tasked with drawing up a plan that encourages private-sector investment in cold storage infrastructure for essential goods.
The Islamabad administration will also brief the committee on the growing difference between wholesale and retail prices of major commodities and suggest corrective measures.
During the meeting, the chief statistician shared an assessment of inflation indicators, the impact of recent floods on price movements, and disparities between wholesale and retail markets. While staples such as wheat flour, rice, pulses, and beef showed stability, volatility persisted in lentils, soybean oil, wheat, sugar, and major fertilizers including DAP and urea.
