The Punjab government has moved to strengthen oversight of essential commodity prices by deciding to establish a dedicated ministry for price control.
The Punjab Assembly approved the Punjab Price Control of Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill 2025 by majority vote during its recent session.
The newly passed bill introduces significant changes to the 2024 Act, aiming to make the province’s price regulation system more robust and effective. One of the key features of the amendment is the creation of a Price Control Council, which will be led by the Minister for Price Control or another public representative appointed by the Chief Minister.
The council will include equal representation from experts and stakeholders—three from each group—to ensure balanced and consultative decision-making.
Once the Governor of Punjab grants final approval, the amended law will come into effect. The initiative is designed to curb inflation, prevent artificial price hikes, and provide much-needed relief to the public.