SIALKOT, Aug 25 Sugar is not available at utility stores in Sialkot, Daska, Sambrial, Uggoki, Pasrur, Chawinda, Badiana, Shakargarh, Zafarwal, Baddo Malhi, Narowal and surrounding areas.

While utility store officials claimed that they have not been provided sugar by the provincial and district governments, it was available at a higher rate of Rs56 in markets at Sialkot and Narowal.

At Ramazan Bachat Bazaars people complained about sale of poor quality sugar at Rs40 per kg. Local residents and political leaders have expressed concern over non-availability of sugar at utility stores, and lamented price spiral.

Traders have even hoarded fruits and vegetables and stored them in cold stores, creating an artificial shortage.

Only mango, apple, guava and banana and onion, potato, lady finger and cauliflower were available in the local market.

Price of lemon has also increased to Rs250 a kg.

The district government expressed its inability to increase supply of subsidised flour as per its rising demand in Sialkot, Narowal and surrounding areas, and scuffled were reported at the sale points of subsidised atta.

When contacted, DDO Revenue Daska Fiaz Ahmad Mohal said that daily quota of flour has been increased to 2,724 bags of 20 kgs from existing 999 for Daska to overcome flour shortage.