Islamabad: In a bid to control rising sugar prices and ease inflationary pressure, Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security announced on Wednesday that it is waiving all duties and taxes on sugar imports, reported Arab News.
The move comes amid growing public concern, as sugar prices have climbed to nearly Rs200 ($0.70) per kilogram in several areas. The surge has sparked criticism from opposition leaders, with past instances of hoarding and cartelization often resurfacing in times of economic stress.
National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain chaired a steering committee meeting on sugar, where it was decided that the commodity would be imported through the state-run Trade Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) to ensure transparency and quality control.
“To make sugar affordable for the public and reduce inflationary pressure, the government is removing all import duties and taxes,” the ministry said in an official statement.
The sugar import plan will be rolled out in two phases. A tender for 200,000 metric tons will be issued in the first phase, followed by another tender for 150,000 metric tons a week later. The ministry said these quantities have been set according to current market needs and expected demand in the near future.
The government also confirmed that only high-quality sugar would be imported, specifically the coarse-grain variety preferred by local consumers. Post-shipment inspections will be strictly enforced to ensure quality standards are maintained.
Minister Hussain assured the public that an efficient distribution system will be in place to prevent delays and curb hoarding or profiteering. “He expressed hope that this measure would help stabilize prices and ease the financial burden on consumers,” the ministry said.
