USC announces Ramzan relief package from April 10

Utility Stores Corporation (USC) has announced on Friday that, ‘Ramzan relief Package’ will start from April 10, where a total subsidy of 10-15 percent will be given over 19 essential commodities in all utility stores across the country. 

According to official sources, this year’s subsidy was increased for common people as compared to previous years and the present government under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan had also directed the management of all stores to devise an effective price control mechanism and ensure availability of essential daily use items during the Holy Ramadan.

He mentioned that Ramzan packages would be applicable including sugar, wheat flour, pulses, gram flour, dry dates, rice, tea, Oil, Ghee, Baisen, beverages and tetra pack milk.

Under the proposed package, the USC would subsidize 19 essential items, entailing subsidy equivalent to approximately Rs 7.8 billion including wheat flour, sugar and ghee which have significant differential vis-a-vis prevailing prices in the domestic markets.

Source said, all basic food items are now available on utility store outlets at fixed prices 10 to 15 per cent lower than the open market which will continue till the month of Ramadan”.

The present government’s relief package was aimed at providing basic food items and commodities at subsidized rates through the country’s 4000 outlets of the Utility Stores Corporation (USC).

“USC is committed to maintaining transparency in the corporation and will provide quality items to the customers across the country, under the PM relief package”, he added.

“There will not be a shortage of food items as the situation is under control and efforts are being made to further boost up supplies by the management”, source said. He said an indiscriminate crackdown should be launched on profiteers and hoarders. 

The government will ensure price-control and check hoarding and artificial price hikes as well during the month of Ramadan, he said. “We are very satisfied with the arrangements so far and the people and the media would definitely appreciate our efforts,” he added.

In response to a Question, he said 100% stocks are available in USC branches countrywide, adding, no any high price commodities were sold in any store and we are providing fixed price rate items on all USC stores. 

In order to ensure a smooth supply of these items, he said that inspection teams were also formed which would monitor the supply on a daily basis.

Article source: https://nation.com.pk/09-Apr-2021/usc-announces-ramzan-relief-package-from-april-10