Utility stores run short of subsidised items in Karachi

Most consumers unable to purchase items for 'not being registered with BISP'

KARACHI:

The supply of red lentil (masoor), gram beans (moong), as well as wheat and chickpea flour (besan) at utility stores has been disrupted, posing challenges for low-income individuals seeking to benefit from the federal government's Ramazan subsidy.

The government has given subsidy on 19 items, but eligibility for this subsidy is limited to those enrolled in the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). People standing in long queues outside the utility stores to purchase subsidised food items were uncertain if they would get essential items.

Customers outside utility stores in DHA Phase II Extension said that they were unable to purchase flour for two consecutive days, with chickpeas stocks depleted and red lentil and green gram beans were unavailable.

Furthermore, citizens have raised concerns about the poor quality of flour available at these stores, citing instances of bread hardening and children experiencing stomach discomfort.

An elderly woman, resident of Azam Basti, said that her family is also registered in the Benazir Income Support Programme, but the staff of the utility store checked the identity card and said, "We are not eligible for Ramazan subsidy."

The supply of flour at various utility stores in the city is feared to be interrupted. At the big stores, where 300 to 400 bags of flour are required daily, only 100 bags are being supplied at no fixed time.

Citizens have criticised the exclusivity of subsidised items for BISP beneficiaries, highlighting the plight of those facing inflation and unable to buy essential goods from the open market at higher rates.

Citizens alleged that the basic items are being sold at rates higher than the prices in the open market.