Utility Stores Corporation (USC) of Pakistan has increased the price of white refined sugar by Rs3 to Rs45 per kg, whereas, the local price of commodity market is Rs48; offsetting advantage of subsidised commodity to poor consumers, it is learnt on Tuesday. The white refined sugar was the only commodity on which government was offering any kind of rebate to help mitigate financial woes of underprivileged segment of the population, but the withdrawal of the facility is likely to overburden the monthly expenditure of buyers. Currently, white refine sugar is priced at Rs45 per kg in USC outlets, which is Rs3 per kg higher compared to pervious rate of Rs42 per kg. A declining trend was registered in prices of sugar during the last six months in the open market and it was available in the wholesale markets at around Rs45.60 to Rs46 per kg and Rs48 to Rs49 per kg, at retail level.
Sugar is one of the fastest selling items at all USC outlets, mainly owing to its lower price compared to open market in wake of subsidy offered by the government. At USC outlets situated in Mehmoodabad, Malir and Sadder, Karachi, buyers have been reacting strongly to the fresh increase in prices of the commodity, terming it as unjustified decision and against the interest of buyers. Since the majority of the buyers belong to a lower segment of the population. “I always prefer purchase most of the commodities, including ghee, cooking oil and sugar, in the hope of saving some amount, but the newly enhanced prices would be a blow on my meager financial resources,” clamed a buyers.
USC was established with the sole objective of providing financial relief to poor masses, but over the period of time, it has transformed into a profit making organisation. It is not interested in the welfare of the society. While talking to Profit, Karachi Zonal Manager USC, Bashir Baber termed the fresh increase as a decision carried only on orders of high officials of the department based in Islamabad. We are anticipating repercussions, he added. He said according to ECC formula, USC fixed the price of sugar Rs5 per kg, which is less than the open market.