Pakistan : Sugar industry blames portal closure, import policy for rising prices and supply issues
The Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) has blamed the government’s sugar import policy and the three-week closure of the FBR’s S-Track sales portal for disrupting the supply of local sugar, causing market shortages and price hikes. Mills say the halt in sales has created cash flow problems and urged the government to immediately restore portal access and normal trade operations.
The Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) has blamed the government’s policy on imported sugar and the closure of the FBR’s sales portal for disrupting the supply of locally produced sugar, causing shortages and a spike in market prices.
During a meeting co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, PSMA representatives said the domestic sugar industry has been sidelined, as mills are unable to sell their stock due to the three-week closure of the S-Track portal.
The association told the government that this disruption has halted sugar supplies across the country, leading to cash flow challenges and repayment difficulties on bank loans for millers.
The PSMA reiterated that it had opposed sugar imports from the outset, warning that the move would harm local producers. Despite this, around 300,000 tonnes of sugar were imported, which the government is now struggling to sell.
The meeting discussed possible mechanisms to allow mills to purchase and distribute imported sugar while restoring normal trade operations. Industry representatives urged authorities to reopen the portal for local sugar sales to stabilise the market and resolve liquidity concerns within the sector.
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Source : Profit Pakistan Today
