USC further raises flour prices by Rs 40 per 10 kg bag

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KARACHI: An increase of Rs 40 per 10 kilogrammes (kg) flour bag was registered at more than 150 outlets of the Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan (USC) operating in Karachi which went up to the level of Rs 380 per 10 kg bag compared to old rates of Rs 340 for the same weight.

But not contended with the previous increase of Rs 40 per 10 kg bag the concerned officials in the garb of increasing rates of wheat in the open market recoursed to yet another upward revision in flour rates, which would now be available to buyers at Rs 390 per 10 kg bag.

An official of a USC outlet in Gulshan e Iqbal area acknowledged about declining demand of the flour at all outlets of the Corporation, which he attributed due to its surging rates.

The demand of the commodity has plunged at my outlet during the last 10 days since the upward prices came into affect as buyers were hardly able to digest the price increase of one of the most demanding essential kitchen item.

Any further upward revision in flour rates may spell negative impact on its daily sales as buyers with limited monthly income can hardly afford its high rates and they would be compelled to reduce their daily or weekly buying of the commodity from USC outlets.

Another official at a USC outlet in Defence area also complained of decreasing demand of the sugar during the last three weeks, which he attributed to upward revision in its rates by the high officials of the Corporation.

He termed the sugar rates has also been increased without any plausible reason as the price difference of the commodity with the one available in the open market was hardly attractive for consumers.

Similarly massive increase of Rs 16 per kg in the rates of Phool brand Basmati rice at USC outlets was unjustified in the sense that majority of rice exporters have recently claimed Pakistani rice exports have declined during the current year as a consequence large stock of quality basmati rice was now available in the open market.

The increase would be a burden for majority of buyers visiting USC outlets in search of quality rates, claimed an official of a USC outlets at Karachi Press Club.

End.