Pakistan : Rs165 sugar price agreed, but cities still selling at Rs200/kg
Pakistan’s federal government and sugar industry have agreed to set the ex-mill price at Rs165/kg to control rising sugar prices. Despite this, retail rates in cities like Karachi and Peshawar remain near Rs200/kg. The government plans to import 500,000 tons of sugar, though critics warn this may hurt local producers and call for long-term solutions.
The federal government and the sugar industry have reached an agreement to set the ex-mill price of sugar at Rs165 per kilogram, according to a statement from the Ministry of National Food Security. The decision aims to stabilize sugar prices across the country amid a continuous rise in retail rates.
The Ministry stated that provincial governments have been directed to ensure the availability of sugar to the public at the agreed price. This move comes as part of the government’s efforts to control inflation and ease pressure on consumers, especially ahead of key seasonal demands.
However, despite the announcement, sugar prices in major cities like Karachi and Peshawar continue to climb, with retail rates reportedly reaching up to Rs200 per kilogram. The surge has raised concerns among consumers and traders alike.
To tackle the shortage and price volatility, the government has issued tenders for the import of 500,000 tons of sugar. The import is intended to increase local supply and reduce reliance on domestic hoarding and speculation.
Meanwhile, former caretaker federal minister and senior PML-N leader Fawad Hassan Fawad has opposed the import decision, calling for a review. He argues that importing sugar could negatively affect local farmers and millers, urging a more balanced, long-term strategy for price stability.
The government hopes that the fixed ex-mill rate, alongside imported sugar and tighter provincial monitoring, will help ease market tensions and provide relief to the public in the coming weeks.
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Source : Daily Times
