Utility Stores Corporation shuts down nationwide operations

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - The Utility Stores Corporation (USC) has completely shut down its operations across Pakistan.

According to reports, a formal notice has been issued by USC to all zonal managers, instructing the immediate suspension of all buying and selling activities at utility stores nationwide, effective from Thursday.

The letter stated that all grocery items and other essential goods have been removed from store shelves and transferred to warehouses.

PM issues warning over sugar price violation, caps retail rate at Rs173 per kg

Additionally, the USC Board of Directors has endorsed the government’s directive, confirming the complete suspension of the corporation’s operations and activities.

This closure marks the end of a decades-old government-subsidized retail system, which had provided essential items to the public at affordable rates.

Established in 1971, the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) was a state-owned enterprise (SOE) mandated to provide essential commodities at subsidised prices, primarily benefiting low-income households. The network spanned over 4,000 retail outlets across the country.

According to a notification from the Ministry of Industries and Production, the closure decision was made following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive issued on June 28, and a subsequent board of directors meeting earlier this month.

“Effective July 31, all sales and purchases at utility stores are to cease, except for the transfer of inventory to warehouses, returns to vendors, and the handing over of store inventories,” the notification stated, calling for strict adherence.

A separate USC notice added that sales via the business-management system Odoo have also been permanently discontinued as of today.