Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh has reiterated government's commitment to ensure provision of essential commodities at affordable prices across Pakistan.

Chairing weekly meeting of the National Price Monitoring Committee in Islamabad today (Monday), he urged the Provincial Governments and Departments concerned to make coordinated efforts to keep prices of basic commodities in check.

NPMC reviewed the price trend of essential commodities especially wheat flour, sugar, vegetable ghee, chicken and eggs during the last week.

The weekly Sensitive Price Index recorded a slight increase of 0.55 percent whereas prices of eight basic items registered a decline and 18 commodities remained stable.

The meeting was briefed that about 11 most essential commodities are being at the Utility Stores at subsidized prices across Pakistan.

Minister for Industries and Production Hammad Azhar the Utility Stores Corporation has made an arrangement for import of 50,000 ton of sugar to ensure its availability at a discounted price.

The NPMC directed the Provincial Governments to take corrective measures and ensure supply of chicken and eggs at affordable prices throughout the country.