The Ministry of National Food Security has confirmed that an order has been placed for the import of 200,000 metric tonnes of sugar. This measure aims to stabilize domestic prices and provide relief to consumers, according to a ministry spokesperson. The step was taken to ensure the availability of sugar in the market and prevent artificial price hikes.
Government’s Plan and Pricing: The spokesperson added that the government is directly importing the sugar, and the procurement process is in its final phase after the opening of tenders. The first shipment of the imported sugar is expected to arrive in early September. Officials stated that the decision was made after securing a favourable discount in the international market, which will help maintain balance in domestic pricing without burdening the national exchequer.
Addressing the Price Crisis: This decision comes amid a worsening sugar crisis, with severe shortages reported in Lahore and Islamabad, and prices in Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta surging to as high as Rs190 per kilogramme, well above the official price caps. In response, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, had chaired a high-level meeting with the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA), warning of “strict oversight” of mill stocks.
Prime Minister’s Directives: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also issued a warning two days ago that anyone violating the agreed sugar prices would face strict action. He issued firm directives for the enforcement of the agreement between the PSMA and the government, which sets the ex-mill price of sugar at Rs165 per kilogramme and the retail price at a maximum of Rs173 per kilogramme. The government has also reiterated its resolve to continue cracking down on hoarders and market manipulators.
