ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has directed the authorities concerned to accelerate efforts for passing the benefit of decrease in petroleum prices to the common people.

He was chairing a meeting in Islamabad on Monday, to review efforts being made for welfare of the people following reduction in prices of petroleum products.

The Prime Minister also issued directives to deal strictly with smugglers, hoarders and illegal profiteers.

He said the operation against power pilferers and smugglers has yielded positive results as it directly benefited the common man.

The Prime Minister said overall 41 billion rupees have been saved due to stability of rupee against dollar and the reduction in petroleum prices, the benefit of  which will reach the common man.

He noted with satisfaction that due to administrative efforts, 18 percent decrease has been witnessed in price of wheat and16 percent in sugar in Balochistan.

The meeting was briefed that prices of 24 essential items have decreased at the national level while substantial reduction in cost of agricultural production, electricity, rents and industrial production is being ensured.

The Ministry of Planning is using the ‘Decision Support System for Inflation’ App to monitor the prices of food and essential items.

Travel fares have also decreased by an average of ten percent in the provinces due to initiatives of the provincial administrations.

Chief Ministers and Chief Secretaries of the provinces gave briefings about measures being taken by their respective provincial governments.