China's Ministry of Civil Affairs has asked local governments to provide food subsidy to low-income urban families amid lingering concerns over pork, egg and other foodstuff prices that have soared since April.

"Local governments must take effective measures to ensure that the living standards of low-income families will not drop due to the price rise of foodstuffs," the ministry said in a circular issued recently.

Figures from the Ministry of Agriculture show live pigs nationwide were priced 71.3 percent higher in April over March, and pork was 29.3 percent higher, largely due to tighter supply.

In Beijing, the pork price went up more than 30 percent, while wholesale prices in Shanghai hit 16 yuan (US$2.1) per kilogram, a 10-year high, up 20 percent month-on-month.

The ministry asked local governments to give special care to the elderly, the disabled, the bedridden and children to minimize the daily life difficulties caused by the price hike.

Local governments were also asked to improve their subsidy program so that low-income families will get food allowance promptly in case of any price increases.

Early reports said that China's Ministry of Education has asked colleges nationwide to stabilize pork prices, ensure meat quality in dining halls and offer subsidies if necessary to cut the cost of student meals.

The General Office of the State Council has urged local governments at all levels to ensure the continuity of pork supplies.

(Xinhua News Agency June 3, 2007)