24/05/2012 (Daily Times) - Following two upward revisions in ghee and cooking oil rates by the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) of Pakistan during the last few months, yet another increase was made in prices of both items some 10 days ago.

The decision was made as claimed by some officials of the Corporation following upward trend in the price of palm oil in the international market compelling the USC to pass on the price difference to helpless consumers totally overlooking the fact its prime objective was to provide subsidised edible items to consumers.

USC have jacked up rates of all varieties of ghee and cooking oil available at more than 150 outlets operating in Karachi.

The Manpasand brand of ghee which was previously available at Rs 162 per kg is now sold at Rs 164 per kg while the similar brand of cooking oil earlier sold at Rs 164 per kg is currently available at Rs 166 per kg.

Similarly prices of all popular branded ghee and cooking oil including Habib, Supreme, Dalda, Tullo, Kissan, Meezan and many others were also jacked up at a ratio of Rs 10 per 5 kg tin. As a consequence helpless consumers are now compelled to pay higher rates for purchasing ghee and cooking of their choices.

An official of an outlet of the Corporation in Gulshan e Iqbal area acknowledged about increase in rates of all varieties of ghee and cooking oil having adverse impact on the daily sales of both essential commodities.

He admitted frequent increase in prices of essential commodities had negative impact on the purchasing power of common man, which could now hardly afford their exorbitant price as a consequence a sharp decline was witnessed at all USC outlets in the demand of ghee and cooking related items.

He said there was no justification in increasing the price of already available stock in the country in the garb of international increase in the price of the commodity.

“The old stock was imported at a lower cost and taking advantage of increase in the global increase is an effort by the stockists to reap heavy profit at the cost of helpless consumers” he added.