Sugar Prices Surge Across Pakistan Amid Supply Shortage

By Our Staff Reporter Dr. Ansab Ali
Lahore — A shortage of sugar at official rates has been reported in several cities across Pakistan, with retail prices soaring as high as Rs 220 per kilogram, according to market sources.

In Lahore, sugar is being sold between Rs 190 and Rs 220 per kg, while in Peshawar, prices have reached Rs 210 per kg. In Quetta, retail prices stand at Rs 185 per kg, with wholesale rates at Rs 180. Meanwhile, in Rawalpindi, despite the government’s fixed rate of Rs 179 per kg, shopkeepers are selling sugar between Rs 181 and Rs 190.

The persistent gap between official prices and market rates has led to tensions between shopkeepers and local authorities.

President of the Grocery Association, Saleem Pervaiz Butt, said that it has become “nearly impossible” to sell sugar at the government-fixed rate due to limited supply and rising procurement costs. “Sugar is barely available at Rs 185 in retail, and the price control teams have started imposing heavy fines on shopkeepers,” he said.

He warned that if adequate supply is not ensured soon, retailers may be forced to halt sales altogether.