Islamabad, June 29, 2025: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has suspended the sugar import in Pakistan despite earlier approvals, citing foreign exchange constraints, sources revealed.
Last week, the Sugar Advisory Board, led by Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, approved the import of 500,000 tons of sugar to address the ongoing supply crisis. The plan, backed by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, was expected to stabilize market prices.
However, the ECC has now paused the move pending detailed review by a newly formed steering committee.
Officials warn that domestic sugar stocks are insufficient, and without urgent imports, market volatility may worsen. “We had no choice but to allow imports to prevent prices from spiraling out of control,” said Minister Rana Tanveer, adding that imported sugar would help ease pressure on consumers.
The minister also blamed sugar mill owners for creating an artificial shortage by raising prices arbitrarily. “Strict monitoring will be enforced to curb hoarding and manipulation,” he assured.
Insiders allege that sugar millers earned billions by exporting stock at inflated rates, only to trigger a crisis that justified costly imports. The ECC’s delay in finalizing the proposal has sparked concern over timely availability of sugar in local markets.
As inflation bites and public frustration grows, the government’s ability to regulate essential commodities like sugar remains under intense scrutiny.
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