Utility Stores to Offset Unruly Price Hike in Ramzan

The prices of daily-use commodities across Pakistan have started to ascend as holy month of Ramzan nears. However, to offset unruly price hike, the government has approved the biggest Ramzan package worth Rs 7.6 billion for utility stores across the country.

Under the package, the government has announced subsidies for 18 essential items to be sold at the utility stores to control effect of the unexpected price hike in Ramzan.

The per kilogram (kg) rate of sugar has been fixed at Rs 68 while a 20-kg flour bag will be available in Rs 800.

Similarly, the price of ghee per kg has been set as Rs 170.

Subsidy on flour

Under the biggest Ramzan relief package, the subsidy on flour will be Rs 30.50 per kg.

Some 70,000 tons of flour will be supplied to cater to requirements during the holy month. Some Rs 2.13 billion has been earmarked for this purpose.

Relief in sugar, ghee rates

Similarly, the subsidy on sugar would be Rs 50 per kg while 50,000 tons would be delivered to utility stores.

Despite that the ministry of production suggested setting ghee rates at Rs 200 per kg, Prime Minister Imran Khan directed reducing it to Rs 170 per kg.

An incentive of Rs 43 per kg would be given on ghee at utility stores during Ramzan. The total sum of the subsidy on ghee would be Rs 1.30 billion.

Meanwhile, there will be a relief of Rs 20 per liter on edible oil too.

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The implementation of Ramzan package would start from April 1 across Pakistan.

The rates of different grains and pulses would also be reduced by up to Rs 25. The prices of rice, dates, tea, and powdered milk will also be relieved under the historic Ramzan package.