LAHORE, April 16: Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Dost Muhammad Khan Khosa on Wednesday announced reduction of Rs5 in a 20kg flour bag after allowing an increase of Rs75 for the same quantity in the last few days.

According to the decision, the new retail price of a 20kg flour bag would now be Rs375 against Rs300 of Monday last. The new ex-mill rate has been fixed at Rs365 against Rs290 until three days ago.

After the new support price taking effect, the new price was allowed to go up by Rs4 per kilogram -- an increase of Rs80 for a 20kg bag. But the chief minister on Wednesday brought it down by 25 paisa per kilogram -- a reduction of Rs5 on 20kg bag.

The chief minister said provision of relief to the common man was the top priority of the government and all-out measures would be taken in this regard. He directed the department concerned to ensure availability of flour at the fixed price throughout the province.

The CM took the decision after a meeting with the delegation of the Pakistan Flour Mills Association’s Punjab chapter, which called at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. MNA Saud Majeed was also present.

Mr Khosa directed that all district governments and food department should ensure implementation of the action plan evolved for the supply of flour to the consumers. He warned that flour shortage would not be tolerated as it was a basic necessity.Mr Khosa also directed the administrative machinery to play its due role in maintaining the price of flour at a reasonable level, adding that strict action would be taken against hoarders and profiteers.

PFMA provincial head Habibur Rehman Leghari assured the chief minister of cooperation for provision of flour to the people at the fixed rate. The delegation included Liaquat Ali Khan, Asim Raza, Khalil Ahmad, Mujahid Khurshid, Muhammad Yousaf, Muzammil Husain and Hassan Shaheen.