Sugar Prices Soar to Rs195/kg in Pakistan, Govt Moves to Import 750,000 Tons to Curb Inflation
Sugar prices have hit unprecedented levels across Pakistan, triggering public concern and prompting immediate government intervention to stabilize the market. In several cities, retail prices have surged to as high as Rs195 per kilogram, raising alarm over affordability and supply management.
The highest sugar price has been recorded in Islamabad at Rs195 per kg, followed closely by Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Peshawar, where consumers are paying Rs190 per kg. In Quetta, sugar is priced at Rs186 per kg, while rates in Khuzdar and Sialkot stand at Rs185. Other major cities, including Hyderabad, Bahawalpur, Multan, and Bannu, are witnessing prices of Rs180 per kg. Sukkur and Larkana trail slightly lower at Rs175 per kg.
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In response to the sharp price hike, the federal government has approved the import of 750,000 metric tons of sugar to stabilize domestic prices. Of this, 500,000 metric tons will be refined sugar, with an additional 250,000 metric tons of raw sugar expected to be approved soon. The Ministry of National Food Security confirmed that the import plan is aimed purely at market stabilization.
The recent spike in sugar prices comes on the heels of a significant export wave. Between July and May, Pakistan exported over 765,000 metric tons of sugar, generating more than Rs112 billion in revenue. This export boom, which represented a 22% increase over the previous year, has now been identified as a key factor contributing to local supply shortages and inflationary pressure.
Despite these concerns, the Ministry of National Food Security has dismissed claims of a nationwide sugar shortage. In a statement, the ministry clarified that Pakistan maintains sufficient stock levels and attributed the current price surge to market dynamics rather than an actual supply deficit.
“The impression that there is not enough sugar for public consumption is entirely baseless,” a spokesperson stated. “The decision to allow exports last season was made after confirming surplus reserves, and no subsidies were provided for those exports.”
Officials further emphasized that the sugar import initiative is a corrective measure to balance market forces and ensure public convenience, not a response to stock depletion. The ministry also refuted recent media claims about instability in the agricultural commodities market, calling them “inaccurate and misleading,” and explained that trade patterns follow seasonal trends rather than fiscal calendars.
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