Punjab announces Ramazan relief on ghee, oil and cash aid for low-income households

The Punjab government has announced various relief measures ahead of Ramazan, including a price cut on essential cooking items and financial assistance for workers and low-income families.

According to reports, consumers will receive a discount of Rs10 to Rs16 per litre on all ghee and cooking oil packs in Ramzan.

Special Assistant Salma Butt said the initiative aims to ensure that affordable ghee and edible oil remain available in markets during Ramazan. 

However, officials from the Punjab Food Authority stressed that low prices would not affect the standard of edible oil. They claimed that modern, cost-effective methods were being adopted to reduce trans-fat content and upgrade testing procedures to international standards, warning that strict action would be taken against substandard products.

Meanwhile, the provincial government has also expanded financial relief programs. Under the Ramazan package, Rs10,000 cash is being distributed to registered workers, an increase from Rs3,000, to help them manage rising household expenses during the holy month.

CM Maryam Nawaz announced a Rs40 billion “Nigehban Ramadan Package” for about four million deserving families, promising cash aid, discounted goods and free iftar facilities at the tehsil level.

Officials say biometric verification and digital payment systems are being used to ensure transparent distribution and timely delivery of assistance, a measure the government has taken to limit inflationary pressure on households during Ramazan.