The Pakistan government has taken decision to not to allow sugar exports this marketing year raising concerns of domestic supply and stock availability, Profit reported.
According to indications from the Federal Ministry of National Food Security and Research, there is no surplus available for export, despite proposals from the industry to ship nearly one million tonnes. The decision comes as authorities review supply needs for the remaining months of the year.
Industry figures show sugar production has reached about 7.21 million tonnes by mid-March and is expected to touch 7.5 million tonnes by the end of the season. Based on these estimates, millers have argued that some quantity could be exported.
However, official stock data suggests a tighter situation. Physical sugar stocks were around 5.002 million tonnes in mid-March, while annual domestic demand is estimated at 6.5 million tonnes.
With average monthly consumption at 0.541 million tonnes, the country will need about 4.33 million tonnes from March to November. Adding a strategic reserve of 0.7 million tonnes and another 0.3 million tonnes for supply chain requirements pushes total needed stock to nearly 5.33 million tonnes.
This points to a likely shortfall of over 0.33 million tonnes, raising concerns about supply stability and questioning claims of surplus availability.
Data also shows that sugar lifting has increased, averaging 0.591 million tonnes per month in 2025тАУ26 compared to 0.551 million tonnes last year. Total lifting for the current year is projected at 7.094 million tonnes, which could further tighten supplies.
Stakeholders have warned that allowing exports in such a situation may push up domestic prices, stressing that maintaining a balance in supply is key to ensuring steady availability.
