The spokesman of the corporation told this scribe that the MD USC, taking notice of the news items published in a section of press regarding shortage of sugar at some outlets in Rawalpindi directed the zonal management to take measures for smooth supply of the commodity specially during the holey month of Ramazan.

The consumers at various Utility stores in the twin cities have complaint about shortage of sugar saying there is only limited stock of sugar at most of the outlets.

Muhammad Hadi, a visitor at the Utility Store in Rawalpindi said that despite visiting for number of times here, he could not get a single packet of sugar.

Tayyab, another visitor at G-9 Markaz branch of Utility Store, said although sugar is available here but for limited time only and there is no sufficient stock of sugar available here too.

He, however seemed to be satisfied with the subsidy offered by the government saying the government has provided big relief to the poor by giving subsidy on essential items including sugar, wheat flour and cooking oil.

The official of the Corporation said that as there was big difference in price of sugar (Rs 15 per kg) with the open market, some people are purchasing the commodity in bulks which is causing shortage of sugar.

He said each and every outlet have been provided sufficient stock of essential commodities including sugar as per their requirements, but demand of sugar increased with beginning of the holy month.

The official said that management has decided to further strengthen the communication with the zonal offices to provide them abundant stock of sugar, rice and other commodities to facilitate the masses during the holy month.

He informed that surveillance teams of the corporation were strictly monitoring the quality, sales and services of the products across the country and any official involved in any mail practice would be dealt with iron hands.