The Utility Stores Corporation (USC) reported a surprising 17% increase in sales during January 2025, with total sales reaching Rs. 1.8 billion compared to Rs. 1.53 billion in December 2024. This growth comes despite the uncertain future of the state-owned corporation, as the federal cabinet is currently considering its closure.
Regional sales data revealed that the highest revenue was generated in the Peshawar zone, which recorded Rs. 359 million in sales. Faisalabad followed closely with Rs. 348 million, while Islamabad reported Rs. 279 million. Lahore and Abbottabad zones contributed Rs. 244 million and Rs. 213 million, respectively.
Other zones reported lower sales, with Multan recording Rs. 178 million, Karachi Rs. 87 million, and Sukkur Rs. 58 million. The lowest sales were reported in the Quetta zone, which generated Rs. 33 million.
Despite the increase in sales, the USC faces an uncertain future. The federal cabinet formed a committee two weeks ago to evaluate the possibility of shutting down the corporation. The committee is expected to present its findings to the cabinet soon.
The USC has faced challenges since the federal government discontinued subsidies in August 2024, ending public discounts on essential items such as flour, ghee, sugar, rice, and pulses.
