PVMA demands dues pending against USC

Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA) Chairman Sheikh Umar Rehan has demanded of the government to ensure immediate payment of the dues of billions of rupees to ghee and cooking oil manufacturers owed by the Utility Stores Corporation (USC), which have been pending for several months.

He said, non-payment of the dues has caused serious financial crisis for the industry, which is not only affecting the production but also increasing the risk of shutdown of units. The situation may also lead to suspension of supply of ghee and cooking oil to the market.

Rehan mentioned that the issue has been raised several times but no action has been taken by the officials and departments concerned.

He has appealed to the prime minister and special assistant to the PM on industries and production to take immediate notice of the matter and ensure a permanent solution to the problem.

He mentioned that after the government closed down the Utility Stores Corporation, a huge amount of capital of ghee mills has been stuck as the dues for products supplied under subsidy have not been paid since long.