Sugar prices have seen a sharp increase across Pakistan despite the effort being made by the government to control the prices during the holy month of Ramazan 2025 begins.
Reports said the retail price of sugar, which experiences a surge in demand during Ramazan, has risen by Rs10 per kilogram.
Currently, sugar is being sold for Rs165 to Rs170 per kg in retail markets, adding further financial strain on consumers. In the wholesale market, the price has climbed to Rs160 per kg, with a 50 kg bag now costing Rs7,500.
The rise in prices is attributed to traders notice sugar in warehouses to create artificial shortages, a way commonly used during Ramazan to drive up profits.
The federal government has launched a Ramazan relief package aimed at supporting over four million deserving families during the fasting month.
On March 1, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially launched the Rs20 billion relief initiative, ensuring financial aid and discounts on essential commodities.
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister announced that each eligible family will receive Rs5,000, along with discounts on various items at utility stores.
He assured that the distribution process would be conducted through a digital system to ensure transparency, eliminating the need for people to stand in long lines for assistance.
The Ramazan relief program is set to benefit families nationwide, covering all regions from Karachi to Gilgit, without any discrimination.
PM Shehbaz Sharif credited the success of the package to the efforts of the State Bank of Pakistan, NADRA, and leading tech institutions, stating:
“It is the result of the hard work of these organizations that the Ramadan package will reach the deserving individuals.”
With prices rising and economic pressures mounting, the government remains committed to providing relief, ensuring that essential commodities remain accessible to those in need.