Pakistan : Sugar crisis deepens as retailers cut off supply
A sugar crisis has escalated in Punjab, including Rawalpindi, due to a standoff between mills, officials, and retailers. The Retail Merchants Association halted purchases, warning prices could hit Rs220/kg next week. Retailers reject selling below cost, accusing politically connected millers of exploitation and vowing not to bow to pressure or price controls.
The sugar crisis in Punjab, including Rawalpindi, has intensified following a deadlock between sugar mills, government authorities, wholesale dealers, brokers, and retail merchants.
The Retail Merchants Association has halted all purchases from sugar mills, issuing directives to retailers to sell off current stock and cease further sugar sales. Retailers with surplus stock have been advised to distribute it to smaller shopkeepers to liquidate inventory.
The association warned of a severe sugar shortage next week, with prices potentially reaching Rs220/kg.
Association leaders Sheikh Rizwan Shaukat and Saleem Pervaiz Butt stated they will not be blackmailed or intimidated.
“Our dignity comes before profit,” they said, accusing sugar mill owners of becoming untouchable due to political connections. Retailers claim they cannot sell sugar purchased at Rs176-180 per kg for Rs173 per kg, as enforced by price controls.
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Source : The Express Tribune
