USC jacks up prices of various items

The Utility Stores Corporation has jacked up the prices of various items including ghee, oil, mixed pudding, chillies and custard.

According to a notification issued on Thursday, the prices of various brands of ghee and oil have gone up. The price of ghee has gone up by Rs90 to Rs1,720 per five kilogrammes from the earlier Rs1,630.

The price of cooking oil has increased by Rs70 to Rs1,720 per 5kg as compared to Rs1,650. The price of mixed pudding also increased by Rs10 to Rs162 per 310 grammes. The price of pepper pack increased by Rs10 from Rs109 to Rs119 per 50 grammes.

The rate of tomato Ketchup also increased by Rs52 per 3.5kg to Rs630 as against the earlier price of Rs578. The price of custard went up by Rs10 to Rs55 per 120 grammes from Rs45.

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In addition, the prices of various brands of tissue paper, soap and spices have also been increased. The prices will be applicable immediately.

Meanwhile, the Standing Committee on Industries on Thursday directed the USC to take stringent measures to curb pilferage, theft and other irregularities in the utility stores.

The meeting, chaired by Senator Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari, reviewed in detail the rising steel prices and functions and performance of utility stores.

It recommended that these stores must resort to the ERP system which will keep logistics in check.

Regarding subsidies, the committee stressed the need for benefits to trickle down to improve the welfare of those most in need. It recommended franchising.

The ministry informed the committee that the government plans to make these stores into a targeted subsidy tool.

It informed the committee that 90 stores were running in loss as they were providing facilities to residents in far-flung areas that have no resort to the outside world. To control losses, the government plans to cross-subsidise goods.

The committee was informed that 50 plus units were operating in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The committee also discussed issues pertaining to steel mills, raised concerns regarding price rise and its impact on circular debt.

Read more Govt may extend subsidy on five items at Utility Stores

Members were of the view that this would affect the PM Housing Scheme and other residential projects benefitting the common man.

Committee Chairman Sabzwari directed the ministry to share details of price-reduction possibilities along with its financial impact with the committee.

The committee, on the request of the ministry, agreed to take up the issue after 90 days on completion of the computerisation and bar-coding exercise, crucial for the progress of the organisation.

Senators Falak Naz, Fida Muhammad, Faisal Saleem Rehman, Muhammad Abdul Qadir, Saifullah Sarwar Khan Nyazee, Hidayat Ullah, Imamuddin Shouqeen and senior officers from the Ministry of Industries and Production along with all concerned were in attendance.

(With input from APP)