In a bid to curb skyrocketing sugar prices, the federal government has finalised the import of 500,000 tonnes of sugar through the public sector, the Ministry of National Food Security confirmed on Tuesday. The move comes as retail prices in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Quetta touch alarming highs of Rs190–200 per kilogram.
The ministry stated that the import plan is already in motion and is being carried out under a revised, more transparent strategy—unlike past years when artificial shortages were used to justify subsidies.
Prices have been climbing steadily since late 2024. In December, sugar was priced between Rs125–130/kg at ex-mill level. Today, it has reached Rs200/kg in Karachi, with Lahore and Quetta closely behind at Rs190/kg, marking increases of Rs6 and Rs5 per kg, respectively, in recent days.
Traders had earlier assured the government that prices would remain stable after it permitted exports of 750,000 tonnes between June 2024 and January 2025. They also claimed no imports would be needed in 2025. But these promises have not held, forcing the government to intervene.
Federal Minister for National Food Security, Rana Tanveer Hussain, blamed mill owners and supply chain disruptions for the volatility. “The surge in sugar prices is not just hurting households; it’s increasing the cost of countless food products, burdening the average citizen,” he said.
Analysts, however, are questioning the policy U-turn. Critics argue that allowing exports despite signs of domestic supply tightening was a short-sighted move that has now backfired—costing public trust and taxpayer funds as the government scrambles to stabilise prices.
