According to the news, the federal government has chosen to offer 19 basic food items under the Ramadan Relief Package at costs lower than those found on the open market. Sources say the government will grant a subsidy of Rs4.99 billion for 19 necessities during Ramadan, down from the Rs8.28 billion package from the previous year by Rs3.28 billion. Moreover, it has been suggested to split the Ramadan package into targeted and untargeted subsidies. Those who have signed up for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) at Utility outlets will receive the subsidy.
The proposed package includes a Rs100 per kg subsidy for ghee and tea, Rs51.92 per kg subsidy for flour, and Rs30 subsidy for sugar, milk, and drinks. In the interim, it has been suggested to offer Rs. 50 per kg discount on dates and a Rs. 25 subsidies on oil.
Moreover, rice and lentils are set to receive Rs. 20 subsidies. However, people who are not Benazir Income Support Program beneficiaries will receive a subsidy of Rs27.12 per kilogram (BISP).
According to sources, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) and the federal cabinet will adopt the Ramadan alleviation package. Inflation measured by the consumer price index (CPI) was reported to have reached 31.5% on an annual basis in February 2023, up from 12.2% in February 2022 and 27.6% in the month before.
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) has reported that on a monthly basis, it grew to 4.3%.“CPI inflation General increased to 31.5% on a year-on-year basis in Feb 2023 as compared to an increase of 27.6% in the previous month and 12.2% in Feb 2022,” stated the PSB. The greatest YoY inflation rate since records began to be kept in July 1965 is 31.5%.
