ISLAMABAD – July 26, 2025:
The country is witnessing an intensifying sugar crisis, with many shopkeepers across major cities halting the sale of sugar following government raids and fines over price violations.
According to Ajmal Baloch, President of the All Pakistan Traders Association, over 6,000 retailers have faced punitive action so far for allegedly selling sugar above the government-fixed rates. Speaking to ARY News, Baloch questioned the feasibility of enforcing these rates under current market conditions.
“In the wholesale market, sugar is being sold between Rs 170 and Rs 176 per kilogram. How can a shopkeeper purchase it for Rs 176 and then sell it to the public at Rs 170? That’s just not possible,” he argued.
Meanwhile, in a contrasting statement, the former chairman of the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association denied the claims about inflated retail prices. Speaking to ARY News, he insisted that sugar is currently being supplied to wholesalers at Rs 165 per kg, suggesting that reports of Rs 176 per kg in retail are misleading.
He went on to highlight the financial stress facing the industry, revealing that 13 sugar mills across the country have shut down due to continuous losses — nine of them located in Punjab. “There are four mills up for sale right now. If anyone believes this is a profitable business, they are welcome to purchase them,” he added, expressing frustration at the ongoing crisis.
Despite government claims that sugar stocks will last until November 2025, consumers continue to face unavailability at the retail level — further fueling public concern and market uncertainty.
