PM warns of strict action over sugar price violations amid worsening crisis

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday issued a stern warning against any violations of the government-set sugar prices, stating that no individual or group would be allowed to exploit the public through economic manipulation.

Chairing a high-level meeting on the nationwide sugar pricing and availability, the prime minister underscored the government’s commitment to protecting consumers from artificial price hikes and ensuring the availability of essential commodities at fair rates.

The meeting focused on enforcing the sugar pricing agreement signed between the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) and the government. Under this agreement, the ex-mill price of sugar was fixed at Rs165 per kilogram, while the retail price was capped at Rs173 per kilogram.

Prime Minister Sharif directed authorities to strictly implement this pricing mechanism, warning of "severe action" against any individuals or businesses found in violation. He emphasized that the government would not tolerate supply disruptions, hoarding, or unjustified price increases.

Officials briefed the prime minister on the ongoing operations targeting hoarders and market manipulators believed to be behind the current sugar shortages and inflated prices. The government reiterated its resolve to take firm action against those creating artificial scarcity.

Despite the official price controls, sugar shortages have intensified in key cities. Markets in Lahore and Islamabad have reported empty shelves, while prices in Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta have soared to Rs190 per kilogram, far above the government-mandated ceiling.

Earlier this week, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain chaired a separate high-level meeting with PSMA and provincial representatives, expressing serious concern over non-compliance by several sugar mills. On July 22, he issued a stern warning following reports that certain mills were overcharging and withholding supplies.

The sugar pricing agreement, signed on July 14, stipulated that sugar would be supplied at Rs165/kg from July 15 to August 15, with a Rs2/kg increase each subsequent month until October 15. However, this arrangement has seen widespread non-compliance. Current wholesale prices range from Rs174 to Rs178, while retail rates have surged to Rs180–190/kg.

Consumers in several cities are now struggling to find sugar, with many forced to visit multiple stores, raising serious concerns about hoarding and mismanagement.

The Ministry of National Food Security reaffirmed its commitment to transparent stock management, market oversight, and safeguarding the interests of both consumers and producers.