Sugar prices in Pakistan reach record high

Quetta: Sugar prices in Pakistan have surged to unprecedented levels after authorities attributed the increase to artificial inflation and hoarding, leading to concerns about affordability for consumers.

In Quetta, the price of sugar per kilogram has risen by Rs15, reaching a record high of Rs220.

Vendors in certain areas of the city are even selling sugar for as high as Rs230 per kilogram.

The Ministry of Food Security officials have declared that the recent surge in sugar prices is due to artificial inflation and smuggling.

They point to decisions made regarding sugar imports in January as a contributing factor, which benefited the sugar industry.

Authorities emphasize that sugar prices have been continuously increasing since the decision to allow sugar imports, even though relevant agencies have been directed to take action.

It's worth noting that during the past four days alone, sugar prices have seen an increase of Rs40 per kilogram.

The country currently has 1.815 million metric tons of sugar in stock, with a monthly consumption rate of 0.65 million metric tons.