Govt to give subsidy of Rs1.6 billion on 19 commodities

Ramazan relief

ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Tuesday approved Ramazan Relief Package for providing subsidy to the tune of Rs1.602 billion on 19 commodities for providing relief in the prices of essential items during the holy month.

The ECC considered and approved proposals submitted by different ministries, in its meeting held on Tuesday at the Prime Minister’s Office, chaired by Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

The ECC approved the Ramzan Relief Package 2017 with subsidies worth Rs1,602 million on 19 commodities to provide relief to the general public during the upcoming holy month of Ramazan, after considering a proposal submitted by the Ministry of Industries & Production.

These commodities include wheat flour (atta), sugar, ghee, oil, pulses (channa, masoor, moong-washed and washed), white grams, baisen, dates, rice, squashes, black tea, milk, and spices. The commodities will be sold at subsidised rates across Pakistan through outlets of Utility Stores Corporation (USC). 

In addition to the relief provided by the Ramazan Package, USC will also reduce prices on over 2,400 other items under different brands from 5% to 10% by obtaining special discount from vendors/suppliers and reducing its own profit margins.

The ECC decided to increase the quantity of urea approved for exports from the
existing 0.3 million metric tons to 0.6 million metric tons.