The price of rice in the domestic market continues to rise, prompting economic advisor Salehuddin Ahmed to announce plans for implementing special Open Market Sale (OMS) operations, if necessary, to keep prices manageable.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, January 7, after a meeting of the advisory committee on government procurement at the Secretariat, he addressed concerns about the price hike. He acknowledged that rice prices had increased slightly due to supply chain issues but clarified that the overall rise in prices of other commodities was not significant. He emphasized that efforts are being made to prevent price manipulation by intermediaries, noting that he had immediately alerted the food and commerce advisors when the price of rice began to increase.

Additionally, during the meeting, the Ministry of Food was directed to begin importing non-Basmati parboiled rice from any feasible sources and to maintain a buffer stock. According to the advisor, having a government buffer stock would discourage external price manipulation. He further stated that, if needed, special OMS programs would be initiated to stabilize the market.