ISLAMABAD, Feb 8: The government is expected to approve the establishment of a new dryport in Azad Kashmir and levy a 15 per cent regulatory duty on export of gur to contain increase in sugar price.

A senior official told Dawn on Wednesday that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet had also been requested to consider various provisions for availability of low-priced wheat flour at outlets of the Utility Store Corporation.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz will preside over the ECC meeting here on Friday to take up around 10 major items on agenda, including review of price indicators, supply situation of essential commodities, particularly sugar, pulses and wheat flour, and economic data.

The proposed dryport would be established in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir, to enhance trade activities in the region. It would be used for both imports and exports of commodities.

According to the official, the CBR had moved a summary for seeking a 15 per cent regulatory duty on gur to discourage its export, particularly to Afghanistan.

Out of total production of gur, around 80 per cent (100,000 tons) is produced in the NWFP. Very less quantity is produced in Balochistan and Punjab.

The government estimated that this production, which was mostly exported to Afghanistan, could be used in the domestic market. The move could subsequently reduce pressure on the sugar consumption.

According to the official, the government had a stock of three million tons of wheat, besides the arrival of new crop next month, particularly in Sindh. “We have enough stock of wheat and its price would remain stable,” said a senior official of the ministry of food, agriculture and livestock.

He said that in nominal term the price of wheat this year was less by 10 per cent over the last year.

According to a source, the government was also considering reviving the old system of ration card to fix certain monthly quota for each family, particular for atta and sugar. “These cards would be mostly used at the Utility Stores as currently there is no check and balance system for ensuring an access of all consumers to cheaper products at these outlets.

The ECC would also consider a summary for increasing the production capacity of the Karachi Nuclear Plant, issues of gas distribution to power plants, tariff rationalization of certain products and review of the earlier decisions.