Prices of sugar, ghee increased at utility stores despite relief package

• Under the relief package the price of sugar has been increased by Rs2 from Rs68 to Rs70 per kg.
• The rate of ghee has been increased by five rupees from Rs170 to Rs175 per kg.

The relief package announced by the government last night (Tuesday) might not bring much relief to the inflation stricken public.

After it was learnt, that authorities have raised rates for sugar and ghee at the utility stores. As per details, under the relief package the price of sugar has been increased by Rs2 from Rs68 to Rs70 per kg. Whereas, the rates of ghee has been increased by five rupees from Rs170 to Rs175 per kg.

The Federal Cabinet on Tuesday approved a Rs10 billion subsidy at the rate of Rs2 billion per month for next five months to the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) for provision of edible items of daily use to the people at affordable rates.

Meanwhile, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said the package would help ensure availability of wheat flour, sugar, rice and pulses among other edible items at USC outlets at “reasonable" rates.

The USC has been further directed that 20kg flour bag be sold at Rs800 while pulses at 15-20 percent less price than those in the market.

She said the government would also devise a strategy to keep a check on prices of essential edible items.

The cabinet gave approval to a decision to lift ban on import of sugar to ensure supply of the commodity. Awan said export of sugar had been banned and a strategy was being devised to remove regulatory duty on the commodity.