RAWALPINDI: A deepening conflict between sugar mills, brokers, dealers, and the local administration over pricing and supply has led to a serious sugar shortage in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
With bulk supply disrupted, many shops have completely run out of sugar, while others are quietly selling it at inflated prices of up to Rs220 per kilogram to familiar buyers.
Some shopkeepers have even removed sugar from their shelves altogether after facing fines and closures by the district authorities.
Efforts to resolve the crisis are underway, with discussions between the sugar traders’ association, the cane commissioner, and the FBR showing slight movement. A key meeting led by the federal minister is expected to offer some clarity.
Still, a solution has yet to be finalized. Association representatives Rizwan Shaukat and Saleem Pervaiz Butt explained that the government fixed the mill price at Rs165, allowing retailers to sell at Rs173 after adding an Rs8 profit margin.
However, they claim sugar mills are charging Rs176, making it impossible to follow the approved price.
Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Hasan Waqas Cheema clarified that pricing decisions are made at the federal level, not locally. He said the administration is implementing the Rs173 per kilo rate strictly and penalizing those who break it.
In the past day alone, authorities recorded 127 violations, issued fines amounting to Rs145,000, arrested five retailers, and sealed nine shops.
By district, Rawalpindi reported two violations and Rs30,000 in fines, Attock 11 violations with Rs8,500 in penalties, Jhelum 16 cases with Rs30,000 in fines, Chakwal eight with Rs22,000 in fines, and Murree 90 violations with Rs55,000 in penalties and three arrests.
Commissioner Amir Khattak has directed retailers to maintain sugar supply at official rates, clearly display pricing, and avoid creating artificial shortages or hoarding stock.