Pakistan’s Sugar Crisis Worsens As Prices Hit Rs. 190/kg

Pakistan’s sugar crisis has worsened with major markets in Lahore and Islamabad facing severe shortages. At the same time, retail prices surged to Rs. 190 per kilogram in Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta, well above the official cap of Rs. 173/kg. The Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain convened an emergency meeting with the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) and provincial officials to address the situation. He ordered the immediate deployment of government monitors at all sugar mills to oversee stock levels. Despite a prior agreement between the PSMA and the ministry on July 14, several mills were reportedly not complying. The minister reiterated that any breach of the agreement would face strict action. Wholesale prices are currently ranging from Rs. 174 to Rs. 178/kg, while retail rates have climbed as high as Rs. 190/kg. In Lahore and Islamabad, consumers reported empty shelves and were forced to visit multiple shops.