Planning ministry calls for evidence-based measures after post-flood supply shocks drive food inflation and poultry costs higher.
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has expressed concern over the sharp rise in chicken prices, as the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC) questioned why an inquiry into cooking oil and ghee pricing remains incomplete despite a clear directive issued months earlier.
During a meeting chaired by Planning Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, the NPMC reviewed the latest inflation trends and noted that although overall inflation has eased—from 7.2 percent last year to 6.2 percent now—recent floods have severely disrupted crop production and food supply chains, placing renewed pressure on household budgets.
Officials from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) briefed the committee that moderate inflation recorded in July and August shifted upward in September and October as major crops suffered flood-related losses. Food inflation, which had turned negative in August, rose again as supplies tightened across markets.
The rise in poultry prices, the committee was told, stems largely from higher input costs in the sector. Meanwhile, the NPMC sought an explanation from the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) on why its inquiry into ghee and cooking oil prices—initiated after global palm oil prices declined—has not yet concluded.
The CCP reportedly informed the committee that detecting possible price collusion requires substantial evidence, and the investigation is still underway.
Despite persistent price pressures, the PBS reported that several essentials—including onions, pulses, sugar, and wheat—have recently helped ease the Sensitive Price Index (SPI), offering partial relief to consumers.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that sustained price stability depends on strengthening Pakistan’s cold chain capacity. “Every perishable good is a live commodity,” he said. “Without an efficient cold chain system, consistent and affordable supply of food items—especially poultry, vegetables, and tomatoes—cannot be ensured.” The minister also instructed all departments to prepare advance supply plans for Ramazan, aiming to prevent shortages and curb volatility during the high-demand season.
