LAHORE – As sugar prices in Pakistan reach a staggering Rs200 per kilogram, consumers are left paying the price for what experts call an artificially created crisis enabled by weak governance and profiteering.
The price of sugar, which was around Rs140-145/kg in 2024, has now skyrocketed to Rs190-200/kg, despite the official DC rate remaining at Rs145. Retailers blame inflated wholesale rates, claiming they receive sugar at high prices from millers and wholesalers.
Economist Sheikh Tanveer points out that the cost of a 100kg sugar sack has soared from Rs12,000 to Rs18,000, making it harder for retailers to maintain any profit margin. “The real beneficiaries are sugar mill owners and hoarders,” he said, criticizing the federal institutions for relying on inaccurate data and making poor decisions.
Despite having produced 6.8 million tonnes of sugar in 2024–2025—3% more than last year—and already holding a 7 million tonne surplus, the government allowed exports. Now, hoarders are manipulating supply to inflate prices again.
Public frustration is growing. Citizens lament that no department is intervening, and price control mechanisms have failed. “Inflation is daylight robbery,” one protester said. “The Prime Minister must intervene—but will he?”
Authorities had once launched a crackdown against sugar profiteers via the FIA, leading to arrests and record seizures. But the operation was mysteriously halted, reportedly due to political pressure or internal corruption. Since then, no action has been taken, and the same networks dominate major markets like Lahore’s Akbari Mandi and Karachi’s Jodia Bazaar.
Though FBR teams are now stationed at mills to monitor production and prevent tax evasion—and joint raids with the Intelligence Bureau are underway—the core issue of profiteering remains unaddressed.
In a puzzling move, the Ministry of Food has started the tendering process to import sugar, despite the next sugarcane crushing season due in November. Critics say this will drain precious foreign reserves, enriching profiteers while the common man continues to suffer.
