VAT on daily necessities being reconsidered: Finance Adviser

The additional VAT imposed on various daily necessities including medicines and clothing is being reconsidered, said Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. He informed this to the reporters after the meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Government Procurement at the Secretariat on Thursday.

In response to a question from reporters about whether the additional VAT has already affected the prices of goods in the market, the Finance Adviser said, "It is not entirely due to VAT. The impact on prices in some places may have been due to VAT. It is entirely due to manipulation and supply chain."

He said, "I have increased the prices of a few things through VAT. How many people buy phones and foreign fruit juices? Therefore, it is not because of that (the price has increased due to VAT). However, today we are reviewing some matters. You will know later."

The Finance Adviser also said, "We have talked about some essential things." Then, essential products that affect the common people, including medicines and clothing, are being reviewed. Imported fruit juices - why should I reduce these?