The government-run Utility Store Corporation (USC) has increased the price of sugar, flour, ghee, and other food items despite the prime minister’s relief package.

Utility stores increased the price of sugar by Rs19 per kg, ghee by Rs75 per kg, and 20 kg bag of flour by Rs496.

According to the notification, the new prices will go into effect at utility stores all around the nation on January 1, 2023.

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The Benazir Income Support Programme’s (BISP) deserving beneficiaries will not be subject to the new pricing.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif had previously stated that Food Stores Corporation would provide targeted subsidies on basic food items. These products included rice, lentils, ghee, sugar, and flour. Customers who are registered in the Benazir Income Support Programme are eligible to purchase food from the Food Stores outlets at discounted prices.

In the meantime, the Food Stores Corporation has instructed all of its clients and consumers to SMS their Computerized National Identity Card numbers from their mobile phones to 5566. After receiving a one-time password, they can then purchase goods and apply for subsidies.