Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, chairing a high-level meeting on sugar availability and price stability, reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring uninterrupted sugar supply at affordable prices. The meeting, held on Saturday, was briefed by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, in coordination with provincial food departments, on current sugar stocks, production projections, and market price trends.
Zero-Tolerance Policy Against Hoarding
Dar stressed that the government would adopt a zero-tolerance policy against hoarding, speculation, and artificial price hikes. He directed authorities to closely monitor markets and take strict action against any violators. The finance minister emphasized that the government has sufficient sugar stocks to meet demand until the next crushing season.
Current Stock and Production Projections
According to the briefing, Pakistan's sugar stocks stand at over 1.2 million tonnes, which is adequate for domestic consumption until the new sugarcane crop arrives. The production for the current season is projected at around 6.5 million tonnes, slightly above last year's output. Provincial food departments reported stable prices across most regions, with some minor fluctuations due to seasonal demand.
Market Monitoring and Enforcement
The meeting decided to enhance market surveillance and coordinate with provincial governments to prevent any artificial shortage. Dar instructed the Ministry of Industries and Production to ensure that sugar mills release stocks as per the quota system. He also directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate any cases of hoarding or profiteering.
Dar reaffirmed the government's resolve to protect consumers from price manipulation. He said that the government would not hesitate to import sugar if needed to maintain price stability. However, officials noted that current stocks and projected production are sufficient to avoid any shortfall.
