SUKKUR, Feb 3: Edible oil and vegetable ghee have almost disappeared from retail shops in the city and adjoining towns and villages, forcing consumers to stand for hours in long queues outside the Utility Stores.

Many consumers complained that the edible oil and ghee available at Utility Stores was substandard and accused the officials of selling the items to private shops, leading to shortage in the stores’ godowns.

People, especially women and children, who have to keep waiting in long queues outside the stores since early morning, cause traffic problems on nearby streets and roads and lead to nasty scenes among the frustrated people.

They complained that the store closed its counters as early as 12 noon, leaving hundreds of people waiting and forcing them to leave empty-handed.

They demanded raise in the quantity of food items provided to the stores and said the government should take steps to make available adequate stocks to bring some relief to the poor.

FLOUR CRISIS: A survey revealed that wheat flour was not available at the Utility Stores at Rs13 per kg, while it was being sold by private shops at Rs16 per kg.

The chakki owners complained about getting less than the allotted quota of wheat and criticised the official policy of imposition of fine on small chakki owners and shopkeepers for none of their fault.