By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has approved the import of 500,000 metric tonnes of sugar as part of a planned total of 750,000 metric tonnes to tackle a severe domestic shortage and record-high prices triggered by an aggressive export drive that depleted local stocks.
The decision comes after a meeting of the Sugar Advisory Board (SAB) chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, on Monday.
Pakistan exported 765,734 metric tonnes of sugar between July and May of the current fiscal year, generating Rs114 billion in revenue—a remarkable 2,200% increase compared to the same period last year. While the export surge bolstered foreign exchange earnings, it has left the domestic market reeling, with sugar prices soaring to Rs190 per kilogram from Rs140 before the exports began, reflecting a 36% spike.
“The increased price of sugar is not only affecting households directly but is also impacting the cost of a wide range of food items across the board, placing an additional burden on ordinary citizens,” Hussain said in a statement. He pointed to supply chain disruptions and non-compliance by mill owners as key factors driving the volatility and price hikes that have squeezed consumers.
To address the crisis, the Sugar Advisory Board approved the import of 500,000 metric tonnes of sugar, with the government pledging to finalize all formalities within days. “The imported sugar will be made available in the domestic market shortly after,” the statement said, framing the move as part of a broader strategy to stabilize prices and restore confidence in the supply chain.
The initial import is a step toward a total of 750,000 metric tonnes planned to replenish stocks.
Beyond imports, the government is cracking down on market manipulation. “To address the situation, the Ministry has decided to implement strict monitoring and enforcement mechanisms in coordination with provincial governments,” the statement added. “These efforts are aimed at ensuring transparency in sugar distribution, preventing hoarding, and curbing profiteering practices that harm consumer interests.”
Hussain emphasized that the import decision is a “proactive step to prevent further inflation and ensure that essential commodities remain accessible to the public.”
The Ministry of National Food Security and Research is doubling down on its commitment to oversight. “The Ministry will continue to monitor market trends closely and remains committed to protecting the interests of the people through responsible governance and effective market regulation,” the statement said. Hussain reaffirmed the government’s focus on food security, market stability, and consumer welfare, promising “timely interventions and structural reforms” to prevent future disruptions.
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