USC announces 4 billion Ramadan relief package

Sohail Rashid and Yasir Ilyas

Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan (USC) Wednesday announced four billion Rupees Ramadan relief package for public.

Managing Director (MD) of the Corporation, Arif Khan told a press conference that the government would subsidise Ghee, ‘basin’ and wheat flour. Three to ten percent discount will be given on 1000 other items at all Utility stores during the month of Ramadan as a relief package to customers.

“The relief package would be effective from August 5, almost a week ahead of Ramadan to avoid any chaotic situation on the start of Ramadan,” said Mr Khan.

The price of 20 kg wheat flour pack would be Rs 300 instead of 580, ‘basin’ would be available at a price of Rs 58 instead of 75 per kilogramme and the rate of dates would also be reduced from Rs 130 to Rs 88 per kilogramme.

Utility ghee would be available at a price of Rs 103 per kg whereas ghee of all other companies would also be subsidised so that customers would not be bound and they could buy ghee of their own choice, he said.

He said the government would provide food items such as sugar, pulses and wheat flour in abundance to avoid any shortage of the commodities. The Corporation would provide 80000 metric tons of sugar, 150000 metric tons of wheat flour, ‘chana pulse and basin 3000 metric tons and 4000 metric tons of dates during the forthcoming Ramadan, he added.

Mr Khan said during last Ramadan, per kg subsidy on all products was two rupees, which is increased to Rs eight per kg this year. There will be separate counters for males and females on each branch of utility store to avoid rush. The Corporation would try to reach remote areas through mobile utility stores.