The public is no longer able to access affordable sugar through the relief package.
ISLAMABAD: The Utility Stores Corporation (USC) stopped selling sugar under the Prime Minister’s relief package.
The decision came after a federal excise duty of Rs15 per kg was imposed on commercial sugar supplies in the federal budget.
The public is no longer able to access affordable sugar through the relief package. They are now forced to purchase the more expensive sugar available in the open market.
A spokesperson for the utility stores chain stated that although they have sufficient sugar in stock, sales have been suspended due to the imposition of new excise duties.
The spokesperson further explained that the public company has sought clarification from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) regarding the duties. USC intends to resume sugar sales once the issue is resolved.
Read more: Utility Stores Reduce Prices of Various Items under Ramadan Relief Package
Sugar is priced at Rs109 per kg for consumers under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), while the general public pays Rs155 per kg.
Sources indicate that the USC acquired 10,000 metric tonnes of sugar at Rs141.20 per kg. USC also reportedly secured a total of 40,000 metric tonnes from a tender originally issued for 45,000 metric tonnes.
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