Despite the government setting a retail price cap of Rs164 per kilogram, shopkeepers in multiple cities continue to sell sugar at significantly higher rates. Recent data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) shows big price differences across the country.
The PBS report, released on Friday, covered the week ending on April 24, 2025. It shows that sugar prices reached as high as Rs180 per kg in Peshawar, the highest recorded rate. Meanwhile, the national average stood at Rs168.12 per kg.
Some cities, however, maintained prices at the official limit of Rs164 per kg. In Karachi, sugar was sold for up to Rs175 per kg, matching the maximum price in Rawalpindi. Lahore saw prices ranging between Rs164 and Rs170 per kilogram.
Hyderabad’s average price was slightly lower at Rs166.65 per kg. Other major cities, including Islamabad, Gujranwala, and Sialkot, maintained a steady rate of Rs170 per kg. On the other hand, Sargodha and Quetta sold sugar at Rs164 per kg, the lowest price.
The government imposed the price cap to control inflation, particularly during Ramadan, when demand for essential items increased. In March, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated that retailers must not exceed Rs 164 per kilogram.
This decision followed warnings from the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), as they accused sugar mills of manipulating prices. Despite these steps, enforcement is still weak in many areas.
Shopkeepers continue to charge higher rates, putting additional financial strain on consumers. The data from PBS highlights the uneven enforcement of price controls, with some cities strictly sticking to the rules while others completely ignored them.
Market analysts suggest that supply chain issues and regional demand fluctuations might be the reason for these price differences. However, the continious overpricing in major cities showed a lack of strict monitoring.
For now, consumers in cities like Peshawar, Karachi, and Rawalpindi bear the brunt of these inflated prices. Meanwhile, those in Sargodha and Quetta benefit from the agreement to use the official rate.
The government’s efforts to stabilise prices have mixed results. While some regions follow the guidelines, others continue to defy them. Without stricter action, sugar prices may remain unstable, potentially affecting household budgets nationwide.