Food prices jump as federal cabinet approves relief package

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: The prices of basic food commodities increased following the approval of Rs15 billion relief package for a period of five months to Utility Stores Corporation for provision of edible items of daily use to the people at affordable rates.

Utility stores after the approval of new relief package surged the prices of sugar for Rs2 per kg. The prices inflated to Rs70 per kg from Rs68 per kg. Similarly, the prices of ghee also witnessed an increase of Rs5 per kg as it hiked to Rs175 per kg from Rs170 per kg.

Earlier, Federal Cabinet approved Rs15 billion relief package for a period of five months to Utility Stores Corporation for provision of edible items of daily use to the people at affordable rates.

Meeting of the federal cabinet was held in Islamabad today with Prime Minister Imran Khan in chair.

While giving a briefing to media in Islamabad on Tuesday, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said this package will help ensure availability of flour, sugar, rice and pulses among other edible items at USC outlets at reasonable rates. The USC has been further directed that 20 kg flour bag be sold at 800 rupees while pulses at 15-20 percent less prices than market.

She said the government will also devise a strategy to keep a check on prices of essential edible items, adding that the government s economic team, ministry of commerce and other institutions including Utility Stores Corporation gave a detailed briefing to the Prime Minister.

The Cabinet also gave approval to lift ban on import of sugar to ensure supply of this commodity. She said export of sugar has been banned and a strategy is being devised to remove regulatory duty on this commodity.

Dr Awan said 4.3 million women are being given Rs2000 monthly under Ehsaas program. The number will reach by 70 million by end of this year, benefitting 46.9 people will benefit.

She said that, Under Ehsaas Fee Support Program, the government will provide Rs750 for male students and Rs1000 per female students. She said under Ehsas Nutrition program, which will be launched next month, 20 thousand women will get its benefit and it will be further expanded in future. She said Ehsaas Langar Khana program, 100 more langar khana will be established this year across the country with public private partnership.

The special assistant said the prime minister has directed his team to devise a mechanism to reduce the prices of gas and electricity in phase wise manner to reduce the burden of inflation on people. “The Health Advisor briefed the meeting about government initiatives in preventing Coronavirus,” she said.

She said that the cabinet also directed to prepare a comprehensive strategy to control the prices of electricity and gas along with the causes of rising prices. She said the report will also be shared with media and general public.