New rates of sugar prices as demand increases in summers.
Sugar prices have seen a surge in recent days due to an intensifying dispute between sugar mill owners and the Central Grocery Association.
New rates
The price of sugar in the open market of Lahore has surged from Rs164 per kg to Rs175 per kg, putting an additional burden on ordinary consumers.
Dispute among sugar mill owners
The president of the Central Grocery Association has directly blamed the sugar mill owners and the concerned bureaucracy for the situation.
He stated that in February, the price of sugar was Rs125 per kg, but the prices skyrocketed after the export of the commodity was allowed.
He claimed that the government allowed sugar exports despite the absence of surplus stock, which only benefitted certain elements.
He added that sugar mill owners are unjustly holding them responsible for the price hike, whereas the actual control and stock reserves lie with the mill owners.
The increase in sugar prices also comes amid an increase in its demand due to summer weather as people use it in various drinks.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has ordered a reduction in sugar prices.
Chairing a meeting in Islamabad, he has instructed representatives of the Sugar Mills Association to reduce sugar prices.
He further stated that the ex-mill rate of sugar should be brought down from Rs164 per kg to between Rs 154 and Rs159.
The Mills Association assured the Deputy Prime Minister of their cooperation.
