Utility store prices exceed open market rates for flour, sugar, and rice

ISLAMABAD: Flour, sugar, and rice prices observed an increase at utility stores, surpassing rates in the open market on Sunday.

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According to recent reports, a 20 kilogram (kg) bag of flour is being retailed at utility stores for Rs2,840. This marks a significant increase of Rs860 compared to its market price, which stands at Rs1,980.

Similarly, sugar prices at utility stores have reached Rs155 per kg, contrasting with its market price of Rs. 144 per kg. Similarly, “sella” rice is notably more expensive at utility store, priced at Rs345 compared to its market rate of Rs314 per kg.

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The Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan (USCP) founded almost five decades ago in 1971. It operates a chain of over 5,000 stores nationwide and offers essential commodities at subsidised prices compared to the open market. The products range from wheat flour, rice, sugar, ghee, cooking oil, spices, tea, to beverages.

With a workforce exceeding 14,000 employees, the USCP is governed by a board of directors and led by a managing director.

During Prime Minister Imran Khan’s tenure, the utility store underwent digitalisation efforts to improve the corporation’s performance and efficiency.