Sugar Mills Association Blames Govt for Rising Sugar Prices

The Pakistan Sugar Mills Association has claimed that recent jumps in sugar prices are the result of government restrictions and not the sugar industry itself, stating that official controls have choked supply and pushed rates upward. In a statement issued on Monday, the association said the closure of FBR portals, limits on interprovincial movement, and the role of government-nominated dealers caused serious supply disruptions that eventually translated into higher market prices. The association said it had repeatedly warned the government that shutting down the portals would slow the supply chain and create shortages. The association alleged that mills came under pressure to sell imported sugar that consumers did not prefer, while Sindh authorities kept supply portals closed to ensure imported stock was cleared first from the ports. According to the statement, these restrictions reduced the flow of locally produced sugar into the market just as demand was growing. The association argued that since mills were not allowed to supply freely, the resulting shortage allowed some authorised dealers to sell sugar at inflated prices for their own benefit, particularly in Punjab. The PSMA said that as newly crushed sugar enters the market, prices are expected to stabilise. It urged the government to immediately lift what it described as unconstitutional and unlawful restrictions on interprovincial sugar transport so that supply can return to normal.