Govt announces Rs3 billion subsidy to provide ghee at discounted rate

The Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb announced on Monday that the government would provide a Rs3 billion subsidy to lower the price of ghee to assist the masses.

She told a press conference that the market price of ghee is currently Rs550 per kg, but it is being sold at Rs300 per kg in utility stores across the country, according to AAJ News

“The government is bearing a cost of Rs250 per kg,” she added, adding that the price of ghee was Rs150 per kg when the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) handed over the office to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in 2018.

On the other hand, the government has increased the price of ghee and cooking oil at other retailers.

She further stated that a 10 kg wheat bag could be purchased for Rs400 at any utility store in Pakistan.

The minister said that on June 6, about one hundred mobile vans were added to the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) network, citing residents of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) having difficulty obtaining discounted items due to limited distribution of utility stores.

9,500 new utility stores

“In addition, on June 9, 500 new USC stationary stations were set up to deliver wheat, and 100 more items are being added today,” she stated. “Since June 6, the USC network has grown by 700 units”.

Price control committees have also been established, according to her, to keep hoarding and reselling of USC materials under check. The availability of items at utility retailers, she said, was also being watched.

The minister stated that Rs17 billion had been set aside to give the public with low-cost sugar, ghee, and wheat.