Utility stores have goods in ample quantity

Islamabad : The Utility Stores Corporation has increased the supply of commodities to all its outlets across the country to the beneficiaries of the Ramazan Relief Package.

The development comes after the shortage of essential items at these outlets during the first week of the fasting month.

"All essential items at Ramazan Relief Package have been provided to most of utility stores across the country and there is no shortage of any items," spokesman for the USC Wajid Swati said in a statement issued on Thursday.

He said due to a big price difference of essential commodities from market rates and less prices in utility stores, there was unexpectedly high sale, leading to shortage of some products and items.

He said the situation had improved and efforts were being made to further boost up supplies by the management.

He said the USC was committed to fulfilling its promise of providing essential commodities to the general public at cheaper and subsidised rates.

"Our (USC) Managing Director Syed Habibur Rehman Gilani has made it clear to all general managers, zonal managers and regional managers to ensure timely supply of all essential items," he said.

The spokesman said the federal government has already announced a Rs1.73 billion Ramazan Relief Package to provide essential daily commodities at subsidized rates at all utility stores across the country.

He said the USC was providing Rs4 per kg subsidy on wheat flour (atta), Rs5 per kg on sugar and Rs15 per kg on oil and Ghee respectively, whereas Rs10-15 per kg subsidy is being given on different pulses including ‘moong’, ‘mash’ and gram.

Besides, Rs30 per kg subsidy is being provided on dates and Rs25 per kg on gram flour (baisen) and Rs15 per kg on rice, where as Rs50 per kg subsidy is being provided on tea.