Sugar Advisory Board Approves Import of 500,000 Tons to Tackle Rising Prices
Amid a sharp rise in domestic sugar prices, the Sugar Advisory Board (SAB) on Monday approved the import of 500,000 tons of sugar to stabilize the market and provide immediate relief to consumers. The decision was finalized in a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain.
According to the Ministry of Food Security, the move aims to correct supply imbalances and ensure price stability after recent hikes attributed to unregulated pricing by sugar mill owners. To prevent further volatility, the advisory board also agreed to introduce strict monitoring mechanisms for pricing and supply throughout the market.
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Rana Tanveer Hussain said the formal process for sugar imports would be completed in the coming days, and that the decision had become “inevitable” due to the ongoing supply shortfall. He added that swift imports were now essential to ease the burden on consumers who are facing high prices.
This new approval follows an earlier decision made by the government on June 20 to allow sugar imports. The situation has developed in the wake of previous export allowances which are now being seen as a contributing factor to the current shortage. From June to October 2024, the government permitted the export of 750,000 tons of sugar, with the last batch of 500,000 tons approved for export in October.
Despite initial safeguards, including a cap that required the suspension of exports if retail prices exceeded Rs145.15 per kilogram, sugar continued to be exported between December 2024 and February 2025. During this time, prices gradually climbed, prompting renewed concern over domestic availability.
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