Islamabad: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, assured the public that the country has no sugar shortage. He dismissed reports of sugar being sold at Rs180 per kg and stated that the government is actively regulating prices.
Government’s Strategy to Control Prices
Hussain confirmed that the official sugar price stands at Rs164 per kg, while ex-mill rates remain at Rs159 per kg. Despite these fixed prices, market rates have surged. In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a 10-member committee, led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, to negotiate price reductions with the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA).
Excessive Sugar Exports Drove Prices Up
The minister pointed out that the export of 700,000 tonnes of sugar last year contributed to the recent price hike. However, he reassured that sugar production for 2024-25 is expected to reach 6.8 million tonnes, exceeding the 6.6 million tonnes required for local demand.
Also Read : U.S. Investigates 1.3M Ford F-150 Trucks for Sudden Gear Shifts
Crackdown on Hoarding and Price Manipulation
The government has tasked the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) with taking strict action against hoarders and price manipulators. Authorities aim to curb cartelization and prevent artificial price hikes.
Affordable Sugar for Consumers
To provide relief, PSMA has set up tehsil-level sales points, offering sugar at Rs130 per kg during Ramazan. Meanwhile, Utility Stores sell it at Rs153 per kg.
Also Read : Over 100 FIRs Filed for Speeding Violations on Major Motorways
Hussain warned businesses against overpricing and emphasized that the government will not allow prices to exceed Rs164 per kg. He reaffirmed the commitment to strict enforcement to protect consumers from unjustified price increases.
Over 100 FIRs Filed for Speeding Violations on Major Motorways
