Sugar shortages at Utility Stores (USC) have worsened in recent days, with financially disadvantaged people having limited access to subsidised stock at government-run outlets.
According to reliable sources, USC’s most recent offer to purchase the good has resulted in an offer of tender of Rs. 130 per kg of sugar.
The procurement of 25,000 metric tonnes of sugar has been put out to bid by the tender committee. At the moment, only JDW Sugar Mills Limited (PSX: JDWS) has replied to the tender, proposing to supply sugar at Rs. 130 per kg.
In the interim, the tender committee will evaluate each bid as it is submitted in accordance with the regulations of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority.
Previously, a bid of Rs. 122 per kg of sugar was received, but Utility Stores cancelled it due to technical reasons.
In the past three months, both wholesale and retail sugar prices have risen by Rs. 2000 per 50kg and Rs. 40 per kg, respectively, in defiance of government recommendations.