Government launches crackdown on sugar hoarders

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has expressed serious concern over the “artificial hike” in sugar prices and warned of strict action against those involved in hoarding and market manipulation.

Chairing a meeting with representatives of the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) and key stakeholders from across the country, the minister reviewed market trends, pricing, and supply chain dynamics.

He claimed that sugar prices had dropped from Rs200 per kg to Rs175–180 per kg in several markets following a nationwide crackdown.

Rana Tanveer warned sugar mills against withholding stocks, saying hoarding would not be tolerated. He directed provincial governments to ensure prompt lifting of sugar from mills and its smooth transportation to retail markets.

Highlighting the role of middlemen and market intermediaries in driving up prices, the minister said legal and administrative measures were being taken against such elements to curb profiteering.

He also presided over a separate meeting of the steering committee on sugar imports, where all technical and operational hurdles in the import process were reviewed and resolved.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Rana Tanveer said, “The government is determined to protect the public from exploitation and maintain stability in the prices of essential commodities. We will ensure transparency and accountability at all levels.”

Earlier, the Punjab Grocery Merchants Association announced a suspension of sugar sales across Punjab as the sugar crisis deepens.

Punjab Grocery Merchants Association President Hafiz Arif Gujjar said that they cannot buy sugar at high prices and sell it cheaply.

He said that the government and administration have failed to provide sugar at the official rate of Rs165 per kilogramme.

“The government fixed the ex-sugar mill price at Rs165, and now it must ensure implementation,” he said.