July 16, 2008	Wednesday	Rajab 12, 1429

HYDERABAD, July 15: In-charge Sindh Minister for Food and Narcotics Agha Taimoor Ahmed decided at a special meeting here on Tuesday to fix ex-mill price of flour at Rs23.50 per kilogramme, according to an official handout.

The meeting was attended by district coordination officers of Hyderabad, Tando Mohammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Matiari and food controllers of the districts of defunct Hyderabad division.

The minister directed the DCOs to fix chakki and retail prices of flour in consultation with stakeholders after taking into consideration ground realities of their areas. The price should not exceed the decided ex-mill price, however, it should vary by Rs1 to Rs1.50 paisa per kg, he said.

He said that now the district governments would be responsible for re-fixing and maintaining retail price of flour in their areas. After having succeeded in bringing down flour prices from Rs29 to Rs24.50 paisa per kg in Karachi, his department had decided to fix the rate at Rs23.50 paisa per kg as ex-mill price of flour in Hyderabad after deducting one rupee for transportation charges to Karachi, he said

He directed the officials to ensure mills management established maximum number of flour sale points within and outside the mills, price lists and banners were hung in front of each flour sale shop.

The minister asked the officers of police, revenue and food department to launch a crackdown against wheat hoarders and ensure that wheat was available according to demand in their respective districts.

He directed the DCOs to activate revenue magistrates to maintain strict vigilance and take action against profiteers and hoped the price of flour would come down after release of wheat to flour mills from the Food Department in September 2008. “We must be very vigilant to maintain flour price in the market through administrative measures and efficient market mechanism,” he said.