The government is going to introduce a mega Ramzan relief package for the holy month in 2021.
Unlike previous years, the government will introduce a mega Ramzan relief package. As per details, the Ministry of Industries & Production (MoIP) has proposed the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) to approve a record Rs6.37 billion Ramzan relief package for 2021.
According to sources of MoIP, the proposed relief package would be offered through the utility stores network. A subsidy of approximately Rs. 40 per kilogramme would be given that includes, sugar, banaspati ghee and wheat flour.
Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh will chair the ECC meeting where the approval for the historic relief package will be granted. Sources further said that in the past 10 years, the average Ramzan relief package ranged between Rs1.5 to Rs2.5 billion.
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“The relief package last year was Rs. 2.5 billion and the average savings for the consumers remained Rs10–Rs15 on various items. However, the serious intervention will be required this year to control the prices of vegetable ghee and oil, sugar and even wheat flour,” he added.
Besides the sale of five items at subsidized rates, the relief package would include a reduction in prices of 14 essential items by 10% to 15% at utility stores.
The subsidized sale of wheat, sugar, flour, banaspati ghee, three pulses – gram, Moong and Mash, and rice remained in effect since January 8, 2021, under the special relief package announced by the prime minister.
Moreover, in the open market, the prices of oil and Ghee had been ranging between Rs. 250 and Rs. 300 per kg/liter but the rates at the utility stores were Rs.170-Rs.175 per kg/liter. However, the rates have already been enhanced by the government to Rs. 200 per kg/liter. New rates will soon be implemented along with the Ramadan package. The Ramadan relief package will begin on 1st April and will continue till 15th May.
