In a recent announcement, the Utility Stores Corporation unveiled a substantial Ramadan relief package totaling 7 billion rupees. However, the relief initiative seems to exclude three essential items from its urban relief provisions.
Under the package, there will be no reduction in the prices of sugar, flour, and ghee, according to reliable sources. Despite expectations for a decrease, the current prices for these staple items will remain unchanged for consumers.
For recipients of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), the price of sugar is set to be retained at 109 rupees per kilogram. Similarly, the decision has been made to keep the cost of a 10-kilogram bag of flour at 648 rupees and maintain the price of ghee at 365 rupees per kilogram under the Ramadan relief package.
It’s noteworthy that prices for BISP beneficiaries were already lower, and the decision not to further reduce them is attributed to existing subsidies.
In a significant development, the application of the Ramadan relief package at Utility Stores will commence from March 5, instead of the initially planned March 4. This change in date is a result of the recent appointment of a new Prime Minister, leading to adjustments in the implementation timeline.
The relief package, initially approved by the Cabinet to begin on March 4, aims to provide support during the holy month of Ramadan, ensuring accessibility and affordability of essential items for the public.
