Sindh government moves to impose wheat stock limits to curb hoarding and profiteering
High-level meeting finalises strategy to ensure stable supplies and affordable prices
KARACHI: The Sindh government has launched a series of measures to curb wheat hoarding, artificial shortages and profiteering by introducing stock limits for flour mills and licensed wheat traders.
A high-level meeting at the Sindh Secretariat, jointly chaired by Sindh Minister for Law and Home Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar and the Provincial Minister for Food, reviewed legal and administrative steps to implement the Provincial Cabinet’s decision approved a day earlier. The meeting was attended by the secretaries of the Law and Food departments, along with senior government officials.
Participants discussed mechanisms for determining stock limits, strengthening market oversight and ensuring effective enforcement. Officials also reviewed measures aimed at maintaining market stability, guaranteeing fair wheat availability and protecting consumers from price manipulation.
Authorities instructed to finalise policy
Addressing the meeting, Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar said the Sindh government was following a zero-tolerance policy against hoarding, profiteering and the creation of artificial shortages. He directed the relevant departments to finalise stock limits for flour mills and licensed wheat traders without delay and submit a comprehensive enforcement policy.
He emphasised that ensuring adequate wheat supplies and maintaining stable market conditions remain among the provincial government’s highest priorities. Lanjar also instructed officials to complete all legal and administrative requirements necessary for implementing the new regulations.
Furthermore, he warned that authorities would take strict legal action against anyone found violating the prescribed stock limits, adding that exploitation of consumers would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Monitoring and enforcement to be strengthened
Meanwhile, the Provincial Minister for Food said the government’s primary objective is to ensure uninterrupted wheat availability, stabilise prices and safeguard public interests. He directed authorities to strictly enforce stock limits, launch indiscriminate action against hoarders and profiteers, and strengthen monitoring through district administrations and relevant departments.
The meeting concluded by reaffirming the Sindh government’s commitment to maintaining affordable wheat and flour prices, eliminating hoarding and ensuring transparency across the market through effective regulatory and enforcement measures.
