According to a recent briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Industry and Production, the availability of sugar in utility stores has vanished.
Sugar Shortage
Sugar Shortage: The Committee was informed by GM Utility Stores Corporation that attempts were undertaken to obtain sugar, and a total of eight invitations for bids were issued. However, these attempts were unsuccessful owing to exorbitant prices, with only four sugar mills partaking in the bidding process.
He stated that today there is an available offer of 25 thousand metric tons. The company is also endeavoring to acquire sugar confiscated during an attempted act of smuggling since Utility Stores require a minimum of 30 metric tons of sugar monthly.
Senator Fida Mohammad attributed the culpability to the mafia and asserted that evident discrepancies exist in the commodities being supplied to utility stores, while individuals are compelled to endure lengthy queues in order to procure vital necessities.
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The chairperson, Khaleda Adeeb, emphasized the necessity of examining the issue and expressed the possibility of establishing a subcommittee if deemed essential. Furthermore, the committee called upon MD Utility Stores to attend the upcoming meeting.
It should be observed that the prices of sugar in both retail and wholesale sectors have surged by Rs. 40 per kg and Rs. 2000 per 50 kg over the past three months, contrary to the government’s suggestions.