ISLAMABAD (APP) - The Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan (USC) on Saturday contradicted the news reports appearing in section of media regarding increase in the prices of different items at its outlets. A Spokesman of USC told APP that the USC is not intending or to intend increase in the prices of items as reported in the section of the press. He, however confirmed that the prices of a few items including oil and ghee have been increased at the outlets of the USC, attributing the increase to the rise in the prices of edible oil in the international markets impacting the prices of the commodity of 5 to 10 per cent on 2700 different items to the consumers as compared to the general market in the country. "The USC purchases the Ghee and oil from the local suppliers including national and multinational companies and they have also increased in the prices of the commodity and thus we have also passed on the impact to our consumers", he remarked. The Spokesman further said that USC through its 6000 outlets across the country is selling a large number of edible and other daily use items under one roof to the customers on the discount rate of 5-10 percent less than the open markets for the relief of the people in the country. The low prices at USC also compels the shopkeepers in open markets to reduce the prices benefitting the people in the country. Highlighting the price comparison some of essential items, the Spokesman said that the rate of Pulses (Daal Masoor) at the USC is Rs.89 per kg against its market price of Rs.100-105 per kg. Similarly, he said the prices of Moong (washed) at USC is Rs.130 per kg against the prices of Rs.140-145 per kg in the open market. The prices of utility ghee/oil at the USC is Rs.154 pe kg against the rate of Rs.170-180 per Kg in the open market. The prices of sugar at USc is Rs.60 per KG against the price of Rs.70-85 per kg in the market. The prices of Pulses Chana (grams) at USC is Rs.73 per kg against the price of Rs.75 to 85 per kg in the open market while the prices of white grams at the USC is Rs.110 per Kg against the prices of Rs.115-120 per kg in the open market. The prices of pulses (washed) is Rs.132 per kg against the prices of Rs.136-140 per kg available in the open market.