The government has increased the price of sugar at utility stores across the country. The new price has been fixed at Rs 155 per kg, which is an increase of Rs 54 from the previous price of Rs 101 per kg. The increase in price is effective immediately. According to media reports, however, the Punjab government has planned to provide cheap sugar to the people of the province through utility stores. Sugar will be available at 700 franchised utility stores in Punjab at a price of Rs 70 per kg. To purchase cheap sugar, people will need to bring their original computerized identity card. Each family will be able to purchase 5 kg of sugar per month. The decision to increase the price of sugar at utility stores was taken by the federal government in order to reduce the burden of subsidies on the government's finances. The Punjab government's decision to provide cheap sugar to the people is seen as an attempt to offset the impact of the federal government's price hike.

 
Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)