There has been a notable rise in purchases at Utility Stores, even following the elimination of government subsidies.
In January, sales at these stores increased by 17% compared to December, reaching a total of 1.8 billion rupees. Media reports confirm that, despite the absence of subsidies, Utility Stores experienced monthly sales growth. Specifically, January’s sales were 17% higher than those recorded in December.
According to sources, the total sales for Utility Stores last month amounted to 1.8 billion rupees, in contrast to 1.53 billion rupees in December. The Peshawar zone reported the highest sales in January, totaling 359 million rupees.
Sales figures for January 2025 in other regions were as follows: Faisalabad zone at 348 million rupees, Islamabad zone at 279 million rupees, Lahore zone at 244 million rupees, and Abbottabad zone at 213 million rupees.
Additionally, sales in the Multan zone reached 178 million rupees, while the Karachi zone recorded 87 million rupees, the Sukkur zone 58 million rupees, and the Quetta zone had the lowest sales at 33 million rupees.
Officials have indicated that the federal cabinet established a committee two weeks ago to evaluate the potential closure of Utility Stores. The committee, led by the Federal Minister for Industry and Production, is expected to submit its findings to the cabinet.