ISLAMABAD: Despite earlier attempts to control prices, proving to be only very mildly effective, the Ministry of Commerce is poised to ban the export of onions and bananas ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a bid to ensure the availability of onions and bananas at reasonable prices during Ramadan, the Ministry of Commerce is implementing measures by imposing temporary restrictions on the export of these commodities from the country.
The decision to review onion and banana exports was prompted by a recommendation from the Chief Secretary of Punjab. Consequently, the Ministry of Commerce instructed the Trade Development Authority to disseminate information about the decision to relevant stakeholders.
Effective immediately and continuing until the conclusion of Ramadan, exports of bananas to Iran and Afghanistan will be suspended or restricted. Similarly, exports of onions to Middle Eastern and Gulf states will be halted. These directives were communicated in writing from the Ministry of Commerce to the Trade Development Authority.
Additionally, the Ministry of Commerce has directed the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan to consult the Sectoral Council for Agriculture and Food Processing regarding the imposition of emergency restrictions.
This proactive measure by the Ministry of Commerce aims to ensure an ample supply of essential commodities such as onions and bananas within the country during the sacred month of Ramadan. The initiative is intended to assist consumers and maintain affordability, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing public needs, particularly during religious observances when demand for certain goods typically surges.
Background:
Earlier this year, in January 2024, concerns regarding onion prices were raised, prompting the Ministry of Commerce to take action. With onions being a staple in South Asian cuisine, their importance cannot be overstated. However, the surge in prices, exceeding Rs 250/kg in many areas and breaching Rs 300/kg in some regions, posed a significant challenge, especially for economically disadvantaged families.
The crisis stemmed from a combination of factors, including disruptions in traditional supply chains from neighboring countries and export-driven demands fueled by temporary bans and pricing mechanisms.
And despite a hike in the Minimum Export Price (MEP) for onions to $1200 per tonne, aiming to curb outward flows and stabilize the domestic market, the prices of the largely used kitchen item remained skyrocketing. The exports of onions could not be controlled through the new initiative, ultimately causing a rise in prices of onions in the market to around Rs 300/kg.
The India Factor:
India’s ban on its onion exports in December 2023, coupled with a minimum export price set by the Indian government, triggered a surge in export orders from Pakistan. This export opportunity led to a depletion of domestic onion stocks, resulting in a shortage and subsequent price hikes in the local market.
Market Dynamics:
Traditional imports from Iran and Afghanistan decreased due to export duties and restrictions. Pakistani exporters capitalized on the high demand by redirecting onions to lucrative markets in the Middle East and Asia Pacific, putting additional pressure on domestic prices.
The Ministry of Commerce’s swift actions demonstrate a commitment to addressing the immediate challenges posed by soaring onion prices. However, sustained efforts and proactive planning will be crucial to building resilience and stability in Pakistan’s agricultural sector, particularly during times of heightened demand such as Ramadan.
I URGENTLY NEED AN EFFECTIVE POWERFUL STRONG LOVE SPELL CASTER HELP ME BRING BACK MY EX LOVER URGENTLY 2023
Email: [email protected]
Whatsapp: +234 703 166 3661
This is a very joyful day of my life because of the help Dr Gbogbo has rendered to me by helping me get my ex-husband back with his magic and love spell. I was married for 6 years and it was so terrible because my husband was really cheating on me because I had Fibroids and i couldn’t conceive for my husband because of my Fibroids and my husband was seeking a divorce but when I came across Dr Gbogbo email on the internet on how he helped so many people to get their ex back and help to fix relationships and make people happy in their relationship. Dr Gbogbo has also restored so many people’s health which includes Herpes, Fibroids, PCOS, Diabetes and many more. I explained my situation to him and then sought his help but to my greatest surprise, he told me that he will help me with my case and then give me a herbal medicine that will help me shrink my Fibroids naturally without undergoing surgery which he really did by giving me the herbal medicine that shrinked my Fibroids naturally without me going for surgery. Here I am now celebrating because my Husband has changed totally for good and I am currently pregnant for him. He always wants to be by me and can not do anything without my presence. I am really enjoying my marriage, what a great celebration. I will keep on testifying on the internet because Dr Gbogbo is truly a real spell caster. Do you really need help? then contact Dr Gbogbo now via Email: [email protected]
Whatsapp: +234 703 166 3661 He is the only answer to your problem and makes you feel happy in your relationship…
I URGENTLY NEED AN EFFECTIVE POWERFUL STRONG LOVE SPELL CASTER HELP ME BRING BACK MY EX LOVER URGENTLY 2023
Email: [email protected]
Whatsapp: +234 703 166 3661
This is a very joyful day of my life because of the help Dr Gbogbo has rendered to me by helping me get my ex-husband back with his magic and love spell. I was married for 6 years and it was so terrible because my husband was really cheating on me because I had Fibroids and i couldn’t conceive for my husband because of my Fibroids and my husband was seeking a divorce but when I came across Dr Gbogbo email on the internet on how he helped so many people to get their ex back and help to fix relationships and make people happy in their relationship. Dr Gbogbo has also restored so many people’s health which includes Herpes, Fibroids, PCOS, Diabetes and many more. I explained my situation to him and then sought his help but to my greatest surprise, he told me that he will help me with my case and then give me a herbal medicine that will help me shrink my Fibroids naturally without undergoing surgery which he really did by giving me the herbal medicine that shrinked my Fibroids naturally without me going for surgery. Here I am now celebrating because my Husband has changed totally for good and I am currently pregnant for him. He always wants to be by me and can not do anything without my presence. I am really enjoying my marriage, what a great celebration. I will keep on testifying on the internet because Dr Gbogbo is truly a real spell caster. Do you really need help? then contact Dr Gbogbo now via Email: [email protected]
Whatsapp: +234 703 166 3661 He is the only answer to your problem and makes you feel happy in your relationship
HOW I GOT MY HUSBAND BACK
I want the world to know a great man that is well known as Dr Kala,he has the perfect solution to relationship issues and marriage problems. The main reason why i went to Dr Kala was for solution on how i can get my husband back because my husband left home to live with another woman and he was seeking for a divorce and i don’t want that to happen and i needed to get him back home.When i was searching for help on how i can get my husband back, i read some testimonies on the internet which some people has written about Dr Kala and i was so pleased to contact him on his email which he did a perfect job by casting a spell on my husband which made him to come back home to me and beg for forgiveness.I will not stop publishing his name on the net because of the good work he is doing. I will drop his contact for the usefulness of those that need his help. His email is KALALOVESPELL@GMAIL. COM or WhatsApp him on +2347051705853.You can contact him today and get your ex back.
Satanic Rasool Muhammad of Islam while being Fifty-Two Year old Married with a Six-Year old Child Ayesha and Raped her when she was just Nine-Year old
Abandon Evil Islam !! Be Human.