RAWALPINDI, Oct 1: During a surprise visit to the Commercial Market here on Sunday, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said the government would ensure the provision of essential commodities to consumers at reduced prices as announced in the Ramazan Package.

Talking to newsmen on the occasion, he said all provincial governments had been asked to take steps for the continuous monitoring of price control regime to make sure that there was no hoarding of essential items and their prices were not increase. The prime minister said the price magistrates were in the field all over the country to achieve this objective.

Almost 1,450 daily-use items are available at reduced rates at the utility stores, Mr Aziz said, adding that the number of these stores were being increased and soon there would be at least one utility store in each union council while mobile utility stores would also be available.

He said special teams of the health department were conducting survey to ensure the quality of these essential items. He also appealed to businessmen and shopkeepers to earn reasonable profit and avoid profiteering and price hike.

The prime minister asked the traders to help the government in keeping the prices under control to facilitate the consumers during the holy month of Ramazan. He said the government was working on a two-pronged strategy to keep the prices under control and ensure the provision of goods and services in sufficient amount, besides taking administrative steps to check hoarding and profiteering.

The prime minister asked the people about the prices of essential items and also spoke to the shopkeepers.

Online Adds: Utility Stores Corporation (USC) Chairman Brig (retired) Mohammad Hafeez informed the prime minister that there was no shortage of sugar at USC outlets, adding that there was 500,000 ton sugar in stock.

He said due to Ramazan rush and subsidised rates, sales of utility stores had increased more than three to four times.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz felt nostalgic remembering his student life at Satellite Town College.