A Rs50 billion utility store subsidy that benefited almost 26 million worthy families who relied on lower pricing for necessities has been discontinued by the government.
Sources claim that the government stopped the subsidies orally, and official instructions should arrive soon. The decision was made at a recent federal cabinet meeting, and as a result, Utility Stores would no longer offer any subsidies on essential necessities including rice, ghee, wheat, sugar, and legumes.
In the past, the subsidy benefited those making less than Rs40,000 per month by offering discounts of up to 25% on these five necessities. Utility Stores will no longer be able to realize the cost reductions associated with selling products at ordinary market rates due to the absence of this financial aid.
