China's disciplinary bodies on Tuesday warned local officials not to violate the central government's policies to control rising prices.

Local governments would be closely monitored and officials who fail to carry out measures to stabilize commodity prices would be severely punished, said a statement from the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and the Ministry of Supervision.

"Those who refuse to carry out the policies or do a poor job will receive serious administrative and Party disciplinary punishments according to relevant regulations," the statement said.

The State Council, or the cabinet, announced at a meeting early this month that the central government would temporarily intervene in the setting of prices of daily necessities in line with the Price Law.

It promised not to raise the prices of important commodities such as gasoline, natural gas and electricity as well as charges for gas, water, heating and public transport in cities.

It also vowed to impose stern punishments on those guilty of driving up prices through hoarding or cheating.

Local governments were asked to strengthen price management and supervision and to take necessary steps to keep the market prices in order.

China's inflation rate hit an 11-year high of 6.9 percent in November, prompting the government to take a series of measures, including subsidizing pig breeders and oil producers, to control prices.

The State Council sent out inspectors this month to 22 provincial divisions to monitor the implementation of the measures and whether needy and low-income people were receiving proper subsidies.

(Xinhua News Agency January 23, 2008)