The Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) has claimed that several sugar mills across various districts are reporting pressure from local administrations to sell sugar only to government-nominated dealers, barring them from direct sales to markets. The association warned that such restrictions are worsening the sugar supply chain issues in the market, reported Business Recorder.
Regarding recent reports on rising sugar prices, PSMA said the government had been repeatedly informed, through letters and press releases since early October, about the adverse effects of unnecessary sugar imports and the closure of FBR portals. The association emphasized that keeping the portals open is essential for maintaining a steady local sugar supply.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, a PSMA spokesperson said the first letter to the government was sent on October 4, followed by two more on October 9 and October 15. These communications urged the authorities to lift the ban on FBR portals to ensure the continued supply of locally produced sugar and price stability. However, the spokesperson alleged that the portals remained closed to favor the sale of low-quality imported sugar, which contributed to market shortages and rising prices. The sugar industry, the PSMA added, is neither responsible for nor benefits from this situation.
The association maintained that it had been consistently drawing the government’s attention to this matter and that timely action could have prevented the current market instability. The disruption in the sugar supply chain, it said, is directly responsible for the price hike.
Meanwhile, Punjab Secretary for Commodities and Price Control Dr. Kiran Khurshid stated that the province has sufficient market supplies. Chairing a meeting to review the prices of sugar and other essential goods, she said that certain profiteers are deliberately creating a perception of shortage to sell sugar at inflated rates.
Dr. Khurshid affirmed that strict action is being taken against such elements and that imported sugar is being released to stabilize prices. She noted that sugar mills are set to begin crushing sugarcane in the coming days, which is expected to further bring down prices.
She stated that since July, authorities have registered 494 cases against hoarders and profiteers, arrested 3,673 individuals, and recovered fines totaling Rs50.85 million.
Dr. Khurshid instructed price control magistrates to ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential commodities at fixed rates and to maintain zero tolerance toward hoarding and profiteering.
