- Balochistan’s retail sugar prices have surged to a record high of Rs220 per kilogram.
- In contrast, sugar prices in other regions of Pakistan vary.
- The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has instructed the Ministry of National Food Security.
The retail sugar prices in Balochistan have surged to an all-time high of Rs220 per kilogram on Monday, as reported by local media outlets. In the province, the wholesale price of sugar stands at Rs210 per kilogram, while a 50kg bag is now priced at Rs10,500.
Dealers attribute this price hike to the interruption in sugar supply caused by the suspension of permits. In comparison, sugar prices in Peshawar range between Rs195 and Rs205 per kilogram, while in Punjab, they vary from Rs170 to Rs190 per kilogram. In major cities like Multan, Karachi, and others, sugar is priced at Rs180 per kilogram.
It’s worth noting that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet recently directed the Ministry of National Food Security & Research to collaborate with relevant agencies and authorities to combat sugar smuggling and stockpiling. The ECC also urged the ministry to promptly provide updated information on wheat supply, availability, and prices.
Over the past four months, sugar prices have witnessed a staggering increase of over 80%. This escalating cost of sugar is adding to the hardships faced by the people, who are already grappling with Pakistan’s worst-ever political, financial, and human rights crisis in its history.