Islamabad: The Utility Stores Corporation has stopped selling sugar under the Prime Minister’s Relief Package across Pakistan, as reported by ARY News.
This decision follows the recent imposition of a Federal Excise Duty (FED) of Rs 15 per kilogram of sugar, according to a spokesperson.
The spokesperson mentioned that the corporation is seeking clarification from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) regarding the new tax.
Although the corporation has ample sugar stock, sales have been paused until the FBR provides clear guidance on the FED.
The spokesperson assured that sugar sales will resume immediately once the FBR issues a directive.
Currently, sugar is priced at Rs 109 per kilogram for Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) consumers and Rs 155 per kilogram for the general public.
Previously, sources indicated that the Utility Stores Corporation procured 10,000 metric tonnes of sugar at Rs 141.20 per kilogram.
Insiders also revealed that the Utility Stores Corporation acquired 40,000 metric tonnes of sugar from a tender of 45,000 metric tonnes issued.
It is noteworthy that Rs 65 billion were allocated for the PM’s and Ramadan packages in the budget, with Rs 10 billion designated for the PM’s Ramadan Relief Package and the remaining Rs 55 billion for the PM’s Relief Package.
Additionally, Rs 35 billion were allocated under the PM’s package for the current financial year.
