Punjab has over 22,000 metric tons of sugar in stockSecretary warns profiteers against creating artificial shortage

By Our Staff Reporter Dr Ansab Ali

LAHORE: Punjab has more than 22,000 metric tons of sugar available in stock and ample supplies in the market, Secretary Price Control and Commodities Management Department Dr. Kiran Khurshid said while chairing a meeting to review prices of sugar and other essential commodities.

Dr. Khurshid stated that some profiteers are artificially creating a sense of shortage to sell sugar at inflated rates. She said strict action is being taken against such elements, adding that imported sugar is also being supplied in the market to ensure price stability.

She noted that sugar mills are set to begin crushing sugarcane in the coming days, which is expected to further ease prices. The department, she said, is closely monitoring sugar prices and supplies across the province, adding that sugar is currently being sold between Rs179 and Rs200 per kilogram.

Sharing details of the ongoing crackdown, Dr. Khurshid said that since July, 494 cases have been registered against sugar hoarders and profiteers, leading to the arrest of 3,673 individuals and the recovery of Rs50.85 million in fines.

She directed price control magistrates to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities at fixed prices and to maintain zero tolerance against hoarders and profiteers.