The federal government has set the retail price of sugar at Rs130 per kg for the holy month of Ramadan, aiming to provide relief to the public.
Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain has directed provincial chief secretaries to establish sugar stalls at the municipal council level and ensure an uninterrupted supply of the essential commodity at the government-fixed rate.
Chairing a meeting of the Sugar Advisory Board in Islamabad, the minister stressed that the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) and provincial governments must guarantee easy access to sugar for the masses.
As part of this initiative, approximately 230 sugar stalls will be set up across Sindh in collaboration with the provincial government, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has identified 405 locations for similar stalls. Punjab and Balochistan will also see hundreds of designated sugar selling points.
Provincial administrations have been tasked with maintaining security, cleanliness, and crowd control, while the federal government will establish a committee to address any emerging issues.
Despite the sugarcane crushing season being underway, sugar prices have been rising steadily. The wholesale market rate has increased from Rs136 to Rs148 per kg, while retailers are selling it for as high as Rs160 per kg. Over the past six weeks, the price has surged by Rs10 to Rs15 per kg.
Additionally, the industries minister informed the Senate that the federal government has introduced a Rs20 billion Ramadan Relief Package, which will be provided in cash directly to around four million deserving individuals. He also noted that provincial governments are implementing similar cash transfer models.
To further improve affordability and efficiency, the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) will undergo restructuring but will not be shut down, the minister assured.
