ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance Senator Ishaq Dar on Saturday said that all the provinces would be asked to take appropriate measures to maintain prices of basic food items during the holy month of Ramazan.
“We will ensure to maintain prices in Ramazan,” he said when his attention was drawn to the rising rates of fruits, vegetables and other food items during post-budget press conference here. The federal government has already announced Rs 1.75 billion Ramazan Package to provide relief to the people through Utility Stores Corporation (USC) during Ramazan to be effective from June 1.
As many as 22 daily utility items would be available on subsidised rates at all USC outlets till the last day of Ramazan, the minister said. Sugar would be available at Rs 60 per kilograms compared to Rs 65 in the open market, utility Ghee will be available from Rs 115 per kilograms compared to 125-160 per kilograms market prices while utility oil will be provided at Rs 125 per kilograms against Rs 130-170 market prices.
Likewise Dal Channa would be available at Rs 120 per kilograms compared to 150-160 per kilograms in the open market, Dal Moong (washed) on Rs 148 per kilograms compared to Rs 160-180 per kilograms while Dal Mash (washed) would be available on Rs 273 per kilograms compared to Rs 280-300 per kilograms in the market.
Similarly, the minister said that the Dal Masoor would be sold at Rs 115 per kilograms compared to Rs 160-187 per kilograms in the market, white gram at Rs 115 per kilograms compared to Rs 160-180 per kilograms in the market, Basen at Rs 120 per kilograms against Rs 150-160 per kilograms, branded basen at Rs 140 against Rs 150-160, black gram at Rs 110 per kilograms against Rs 140-150 per kilograms, mash shell at Rs 258 compared to Rs 275-280 per kilograms whereas masoor (whole) would be provided at Rs 120 per kilograms against Rs 150-160 per kilograms.
Likewise, dates at Rs 160 per kilograms against 200-220 per kilograms, rice (super basmati) at Rs 72 per kilograms against Rs 80 to 100 per kilograms, rice (super sella) at Rs 72 per kilograms against Rs 80-100 per kilograms, broken rice would be available at Rs 48 per kilograms against Rs 55-60 per kilograms, squashes and syrups (1500ml) at Rs 265 against Rs 295, squashes and syrups (800ml) at Rs 152 against Rs 170, black tea at Rs 603 per kilograms against Rs 690 per kilograms, milk (tetra pack) at Rs 102 liter kilograms against 115 per liter while all USC spices would be available on 10 percent discount.
