The Utility Stores Corporation (USC) has dismissed concerns about a potential sugar shortage in the country, attributing the temporary halt in sales to the recent imposition of an additional tax on sugar in the new budget.
A spokesperson said that there are rumours of sugar unavailability or impending crisis in the country, but clarified that the corporation has an ample supply of sugar.
The spokesperson explained that the suspension of sales is due to the excise duty increase of Rs15 per kilogramme introduced in the new budget.
"In the new budget, an excise duty of Rs15 per kg was imposed on sugar," the spokesperson stated, adding that the corporation is currently seeking clarification from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) regarding the Federal Excise Duty (FED).
The spokesperson assured the public that sugar sales would resume once the FBR provides the necessary clearance. This move aims to ensure compliance with the new tax regulations while maintaining a steady supply of sugar to consumers through USC outlets.
