Islamabad, July 16, 2025: According to local market sources, Rawalpindi and Islamabad is reaching a critical point in sugar shortage. Even though the authorities have promised to ensure availability, sugar is mostly missing from stores across Rawalpindi. Both wholesale and retail sellers say they have run out of stock.
In shops, sugar prices have jumped to between Rs. 190 and Rs. 200 per kilogram. In the wholesale market, the price of a 50-kg bag has increased to around Rs. 9,300.
This shortage is not just limited to Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Similar situations are being reported in Attock, Chakwal, and Talagang as well.
Sugar mill owners say the problem is due to low stock and supply chain issues. To deal with rising prices, the district authorities have started taking action by imposing heavy fines on shopkeepers.
At the same time, the main traders’ group has called for an emergency meeting to discuss the problem.
READ MORE: Sugar prices soar to Rs210/kg due to price-fixing, supply shortages
At the national level, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised concerns over Pakistan’s recent move to give tax cuts and support on imported sugar. Sources say the IMF has warned that such steps could risk the ongoing $7 billion loan deal.
READ MORE: Sugar Prices in Pakistan Hit All-Time High
Officials say the IMF is especially against the government’s plan to give a subsidy of Rs. 55 per kilogram on imported sugar, since its expected price will be Rs. 249 per kg.
The IMF has also rejected the government’s claim that this import plan is part of a “food emergency” relief. It doubts that the sugar will actually reach common people instead of industries. The lender warned that such steps could harm the country’s financial discipline and fail to benefit the public.
