The Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (Punjab Zone) has expressed its support for the efforts of both the federal and provincial governments to provide affordable sugar to consumers during Ramazan. The association has committed to making discounted sugar available at Rs130 per kilogram through designated sale points across the country, reported The Express Tribune.
In a statement about current sugar prices, a spokesperson for the association explained that prices are primarily influenced by market forces of supply and demand. However, they noted that market dynamics are often manipulated by speculators who spread false and exaggerated reports to profit at the expense of consumers, sugarcane farmers, and the sugar industry.
The spokesperson urged the government to take action against these individuals and eliminate their influence in the market.
Reflecting on last year’s sugar exports, the spokesperson stated that local sugar prices had fallen and remained low. No sugar exports have been permitted during the ongoing crushing season.
Despite challenges such as low sugar recovery, reduced sugarcane yield, and rising production costs, the spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan’s sugar industry continues to offer the world’s most affordable locally produced sweetener.
The industry also pointed out that inflationary trends have significantly increased the cost of sugar production since 2021. In the current season, sugarcane prices have surged to Rs600 per maund, with the season’s average hovering around Rs500—far higher than the regulated minimum support price set for the previous season.
