The federal government has announced an increase in the prices of several items just days after announcing that it would provide five essential items—wheat flour, sugar, ghee/edible oil, pulses, and rice—at subsidized rates at utility stores.
The Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan is a Pakistani state-owned enterprise that operates a chain of stores throughout the country. These stores provide basic commodities to the general public at prices which are lower than the open market. This is because the government subsidizes them.
According to the official notification issued by the Utility Stores Corporation (USC), the prices of infant formula milk of Nestle have been increased by up to Rs. 20 to Rs. 1,000.
The prices of dairy products of Olpers, Omung, and Haleeb have been raised by up to Rs. 5 to Rs. 80. The prices of mayonnaise, ketchup, chicken spread, and chocolate spread have been increased by up to Rs. 20 to Rs. 260.
The prices of pickles, vinegar, soy sauce, jams, and honey have been increased by Rs. 5 to Rs. 159. The prices of macaroni, vermicelli, spaghetti, and pasta have been raised by up to Rs. 3 to Rs. 27.
Moreover, the prices of Ispaghol Husk have been increased by up to Rs. 29 to Rs. 205. The prices of toilet soaps, beauty soaps, dishwasher soaps, shampoos, and detergents of different brands have been raised by up to Rs. 8 to Rs. 295.
Lastly, the prices of salt and noodles have been increased by up to Rs. 10 and Rs. 20 respectively. The prices of spices and powdered sweet products have been raised by Rs. 5 to Rs. 39.
