Shortage of essential items at utility stores, including flour, sugar, ghee, rice, pulses and gram flour has caused great concern for low and middle-income groups as they prepare for Ramazan shopping.
Essential items have been unavailable at utility stores in Lahore with items like flour, sugar, ghee, rice, pulses, and gram flour being particularly scarce. The disruption in the supply system has caused significant difficulties for consumers, especially those from the lower and middle-income segments, who have been left frustrated in their search for essential goods ahead of Ramazan.
According to store managers, the situation has worsened over the past six months.
The situation at the utility stores has reportedly been poor for the last six months, with customers facing long queues and empty shelves.
Store managers said that they have not received the required supplies from the government, leaving many without basic necessities.
One of the store managers mentioned that despite their best efforts, they were unable to provide essential goods for their customers.
Consumers were left with no choice but to turn to the market for overpriced items.
Many customers have turned to local markets to purchase goods, though the prices have soared significantly.
This has only added to the burden of low-income families who already struggle to make ends meet.
The administration of utility stores has come under increasing criticism for their failure to restore regular supplies.
Employees of utility stores have expressed regret over the situation, stating that it is disheartening to witness the hardships faced by people, especially when the store’s operations have been in such disarray.
A visit from the MD of utility stores is expected, with some stores bringing in goods from the market in an effort to stock their shelves.The MD of utility stores is expected to visit soon in a bid to address the ongoing issue.
Meanwhile, some stores have taken the initiative to source goods directly from the market to fill their shelves, though it remains to be seen whether this will provide any lasting relief to consumers.
