Islamabad: While sugar prices continue to climb in Pakistan, the country has seen a sharp rise in sugar exports to Afghanistan, raising concerns about local supply and affordability, reports The News.
Between July 2024 and January 2025, sugar exports to Afghanistan increased by 4,332% compared to the same period last year. Official data shows that sugar exports reached $262.7 million, a significant jump from $5.9 million recorded in the corresponding months of the previous year. Sugar remains the biggest export from Pakistan to Afghanistan.
This sharp increase follows the government’s approval to export 750,000 metric tonnes of sugar between June and October 2024. The final export approval for 500,000 metric tonnes was granted in October 2024.
At the same time, sugar prices in Pakistan have been rising steadily, putting pressure on consumers. Since late November, sugar prices have increased by an average of Rs21.26 per kg over the past ten weeks, bringing the national average price to Rs153.11 per kg. The highest recorded price has reached Rs160 per kg, compared to Rs131.85 per kg just ten weeks ago.
As sugar exports continue to rise, the growing prices at home remain a major concern for consumers, who are struggling with the increasing cost of essential goods.
