Islamabad: The federal cabinet has greenlit the import of 500,000 tonnes of sugar through the public sector to curb soaring domestic prices, which have surged to Rs190–200 per kilogram in major cities, the Ministry of National Food Security announced on Tuesday.
The ministry stated that arrangements for the import are finalized, with immediate implementation underway to stabilize market volatility. Unlike past practices, where artificial shortages justified subsidies, this move aims for genuine market correction following reduced sugar availability. The decision reverses an earlier policy allowing 750,000 tonnes of exports from June 2024 to January 2025, prompted by abundant domestic supplies at the time. However, recent price hikes—Rs6/kg in Lahore, Rs5/kg in Quetta, and up to Rs200/kg in Karachi—have necessitated imports.
Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain blamed supply chain disruptions and non-compliance by mill owners for the price surge, which has raised costs for households and food items nationwide. The Sugar Advisory Board approved the import last month, but critics argue the government’s initial export approval ignored looming supply constraints, eroding consumer trust and straining public funds.
