The Punjab government has set ex-mill and retail prices for sugar for the next four months in response to rising market rates.
According to reports, the decision aims to stabilize prices and ensure availability amid growing public concern.
As per the notification issued by the Director General Food / Cane Commissioner Punjab:
From July 15 to August 14, the ex-mill price of sugar will be Rs165 per kg, while the retail price will be Rs173 per kg. From August 15 to September 14, the ex-mill price will increase to Rs167 per kg, and the retail price to Rs175 per kg. From September 15 to October 14, the ex-mill price will be Rs169 per kg, and the retail price Rs177 per kg. From October 15 onward, sugar will be sold at an ex-mill price of Rs171 per kg, with the retail price set at Rs179 per kg.
Secretary Price Control Dr. Ehsan Bhutta has directed the Director General Food to ensure enforcement of the notified prices.
It is worth noting that the Sugar Advisory Board had approved the export of 500,000 tons of sugar last month, triggering a sharp rise in domestic prices. However, the government later halted exports after the IMF denied tax exemption approval.
Last week, sugar prices exceeded Rs200 per kg nationwide. On Tuesday, negotiations between the government and the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) on setting a retail price ended without resolution.
Earlier, on July 14, an agreement was reached between the government and the sugar industry, setting the ex-mill price at Rs165 per kg.
