Islamabad, Mar 30, 2025: The Utility Stores Corporation (USC) is set to launch its exclusive utility ghee brand, offering citizens a more affordable alternative compared to market rates.
The authorities have already completed the tendering process for this initiative.
Speaking to APP on Sunday, USC Zonal Manager Shahzad Khan revealed that they invited applications from ghee mills and manufacturing firms.
The USC head office conducted the bidding process on April 4 to procure 65,000 metric tonnes of vanaspati and 32,500 metric tonnes of cooking oil.
He further mentioned that officials will distribute ghee and cooking oil in various zones across the country according to consumer demand.
He expressed confidence that the new ghee brand would hit store shelves soon after Eidul Fitr.
Meanwhile, USC is also revamping 150 stores within its operational regions.
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He highlighted that sugar is currently being sold at USC outlets for Rs15 per kilogram less than market rates.
Additionally, essential commodities such as dates, beverages, special gram flour, rice, and ghee are available at competitive prices to ease the burden on consumers.
To enhance efficiency, USC is actively working on cost reduction strategies while boosting sales.
He emphasized that the company has implemented online monitoring systems across all outlets to ensure transparency and swiftly address customer complaints.
In the fiscal year 2025 budget, the government significantly increased USC’s financial allocation compared to the previous year.
Over time, there have been multiple proposals to revamp the corporation by either restructuring its operations or shutting down 1,000 unprofitable stores nationwide.
Previously, the government considered discontinuing USC due to its failure to justify the billions allocated to it.
Soaring inflation has drastically increased expenses in recent years, escalating the cost of essential groceries.
As part of its fiscal tightening measures, the government is looking to curtail unnecessary expenditures, which has put USC under scrutiny.
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While providing subsidized essentials to low-income citizens remains crucial, the limited number of outlets poses a challenge, with only one store available for approximately 50,000 people.
Furthermore, corruption and inefficiencies have plagued the system, with reports in 2021 uncovering around 2,000 ‘ghost’ employees receiving salaries without being actual USC workers.
Despite these challenges, efforts are underway to reform USC, making it more efficient and beneficial for the general public.
The introduction of a new utility ghee brand is part of this broader strategy to enhance accessibility and affordability for consumers
