13,875 tonnes of sugar sent to districts

DCs to monitor sugar supply process

LAHORE:

Despite the open market selling sugar at over Rs110 per kilogramme, Chief Secretary Office has, in its media release, claimed that sale of imported sugar at the officially fixed price(Rs81.5 at Sahulat bazaars and Rs83.5 in the open market) has begun

According to the CS office out of the first consignment of 25,000 metric tonnes, 13,875 metric tonnes of the sweetener were sent to the districts. This was explained at a briefing during a meeting on price control presided over by Punjab Minister for Industries Mian Aslam Iqbal at the Chief Secretary's Office. Punjab Chief Secretary Jawad Rafique Malik, additional chief secretary, the administrative secretaries of the food and industries department, and officers concerned attended the meeting. The divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners participated through video link. The meeting reviewed, in detail, the prices and availability of essential commodities, especially flour and sugar.

The provincial minister said providing relief to the common man was the priority of the government and no compromise could be made on this important matter. He said the establishment of Sahulat bazaars, import of sugar and wheat and other measures are being taken for the availability of the eatables at fixed rates in the province. He said it was the responsibility of the administrative officers to ensure the sale of imported sugar at a fixed price.

The chief secretary said as per the directives of the prime minister, sufficient quantity of flour and sugar at fixed rates would be made available for people throughout the province. He said the supply of imported sweetener started in Sahulat bazaars and the open market.

He said the district administration should ensure the availability of imported sugar at fixed prices at retail shops through dealers and keep the food department informed about their demand.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th, 2020.