Flour shortage hits utility stores amid financial crisis

The people of Pakistan are facing a flour crisis as utility stores across the country have run out of the essential commodity due to non-payment of flour mills by the federal government, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Friday.

Sources said the Finance Division has withheld 14 billion rupees from the Utility Stores Corporation, which has resulted in the suspension of flour supply by the mills.

According to sources, 50% of utility stores are out of flour, and even where there is flour, only a few bags are available.

Sources said that instead of 30 to 40 thousand bags, only 15 to 20 are being supplied to the utility stores.

The Utility Stores Corporation officials have held a meeting today to discuss the issue and try to resolve it on their own.

Sources said that the supply of flour to utility stores is from flour mills in the region, and the officials are trying to address the shortage at the stores. The problem is expected to be resolved by next week, the officials said.

Meanwhile, the Utility Stores Corporation has announced a price cut of 10 rupees per kg or liter on premium brand ghee and cooking oil at all utility stores across the country.

A notification issued by the corporation said that Dalda ghee will be available at Rs 486 per kg instead of Rs 496, and Dalda cooking oil will be sold at Rs 519 per liter instead of Rs 529.

The new prices will be effective immediately, the notification said.