The government’s Sugar Advisory Board on Monday approved the import of 500,000 tons of sugar, mere months after allowing the country’s sugar industry to export 750,000 tons of sugar over “ample” stocks for domestic consumption.
The government’s move has sparked criticism of its sugar and export policy. It also echoes similar actions by virtually every Government of Pakistan. Successive governments have approved the export of sugar after receiving assurances from the sugar industry there would be no shortage and domestic prices would remain within acceptable limits. Mere months later, however, as shortages loom and prices skyrocket, the country expends precious foreign exchange to import sugar and appease the inflation-stricken domestic consumers.
In recent weeks, prices of sugar in Pakistan’s market have soared, fueled partially by the same export approvals the government had granted. Amidst mounting public anger over inflation, the government has sought to stabilize the market.
“Disruption in the supply chain and non-compliance by mill owners have created volatility and contributed to price hikes,” claimed National Food Security and Research Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, who chaired the meeting of the Sugar Advisory Board. “The increased price of sugar is not only affecting households directly but is also impacting the cost of a wide range of food items across the board, placing an additional burden on ordinary citizens,” he said.
Repeating the same steps every government takes, Hussain claimed the ministry would now implement strict monitoring and enforcement mechanisms in coordination with provincial governments to prevent a recurrence of the same issue next year. “These efforts are aimed at ensuring transparency in sugar distribution, preventing hoarding, and curbing profiteering practices that harm consumer interests,” he said.
Defending the industry, a spokesman for the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) has maintained that “ample stocks of sugar are available to meet the country’s demand till Nov. 21.” He said there was no need to import sugar.
During the meeting, the minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to ensure food security, market stability, and consumer welfare through timely interventions and structural reforms. He reiterated that the decision to import sugar is a proactive step to prevent further inflation and ensure that essential commodities remain accessible to the public.