KEY POINTS
- Food minister claims Pakistan has enough sugar stock and stable prices
- Media reports show shortages and soaring prices up to Rs190/kg in major cities
- Last year’s surplus led to exports, but current production fell short of the 7 million-tonne target
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain said on Thursday that there is no sugar crisis in the country, assuring the public that sufficient stocks are available and prices remain under control.
The minister’s remarks follow reports of sugar shortages and rising prices in several major cities of the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, the minister said that some people are spreading false information about sugar imports and exports.
“There is no sugar crisis. The supply is smooth, and prices are under control,” he said.
His statement comes at a time when reports from various cities tell a different story. According to Media reports, sugar is becoming hard to find in markets in Lahore and Islamabad.
In Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta, prices have gone up to Rs190 per kilogramme, which is much higher than the government’s approved price.
The minister explained that importing and exporting sugar is nothing new for Pakistan.
“We have been trading sugar for the last ten years,” he said. He added that decisions are made by the Sugar Advisory Board, which includes government officials and industry experts.
Tanveer shared that last year, Pakistan had a sugar surplus of 1.3 million metric tonnes, which led to the decision to allow exports.
At that time, the total production was 6.8 million tonnes, and 800,000 tonnes were already in stock. He said exports started in October 2024, just 20 days before the crushing season began.
The global sugar price was $750 per tonne, while local prices were Rs138/kg. “We had agreed that sugar would not be sold for more than Rs140/kg locally,” he said.
This year, however, production has dropped to 5.8 million tonnes, falling short of the government’s target of seven million tonnes.
Tanveer said that importing sugar this year will not harm sugarcane farmers. “We will make sure growers are protected and markets stay stable,” he assured.
The minister said that a new official sugar price has been set and will be strictly enforced. He also warned that the government is taking action against hoarders who are trying to create an artificial shortage.
