Pakistan : Punjab govt fails to regulate sugar prices in Lahore
Sugar supply has resumed in the city, but retail prices remain above the official Rs173/kg rate, reaching Rs200/kg in some shops. Authorities in Punjab have conducted 3,700 raids, arresting 2,326 people and registering 385 cases. Meanwhile, an audit report shows the sugar industry owes farmers over Rs3 billion.
Sugar supply has resumed in the city, but official prices are still not being fully enforced.
In major markets, enforcement measures have brought prices down to the government rate of Rs173 per kilogram, while in neighbourhood shops sugar is still being sold for up to Rs200 per kilogram.
According to officials, more than 3,700 raids have been carried out across Punjab as part of the crackdown on overpriced sugar. A total of 2,326 people have been arrested, and 385 cases have been registered.
According to the Punjab Cane Commissioner’s audit report for 2024-25, the sugar industry owes sugarcane farmers more than Rs3 billion.
CCP summons 70 sugar mills in price-fixing case
Findings expose that during the 2023-24 fiscal year, mill owners failed to pay Rs3.0469 billion to growers, despite legal requirements mandating payment within 15 days of purchase.
The report also shows that mill owners bought sugarcane at rates lower than those set by the government, in violation of pricing regulations.
The total outstanding amount owed to farmers stands at over Rs3.05 billion.
The revelations came during the Punjab Cane Commissioner’s audit, with the concerned department being informed in October 2024. However, the report states that no response was received from the department until December 2024, when the audit was finalized.
To Read more about Sugar Industry continue reading Agriinsite.com
Source : Samaa Tv
