The federal cabinet has granted approval for the import of 500,000 tons of sugar through the public sector, the Ministry of National Food Security announced on Tuesday.
In a statement, the ministry confirmed the finalization of all arrangements for the import process, adding immediate implementation was underway. It said the decision aims to stabilize domestic sugar prices amid growing concerns over market volatility.
Sugar prices have surged in the domestic market in the past few weeks, with retailers now selling the commodity for Rs. 190–200/kg. The drastic increase has drawn the public’s ire, which has questioned the government’s claims of curbing inflation. Critics have further noted that imports following a surge in domestic prices has become an annual occurrence, with successive governments defending the practice under various guises.
This year’s price volatility has been attributed to traders assuring the government last year that sugar prices would remain stable even if they were allowed to export “excess” stock, adding there was no need to import the commodity. Much like past years, however, these claims rang hollow, with the government forced to import sugar to prevent further price hikes.
Last month, National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain had defended the Sugar Advisory Board’s decision to import 500,000 tons of sugar by blaming mill owners for disrupting the supply chain. “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 had said.
The ministry’s statement echoes those remarks, though seeks to claim that the import plan is different from previous initiatives. It says the new plan reflects a more effective and improved strategy compared to past practices. “Unlike previous years, when artificial shortages were created to justify subsidies, this import initiative is driven by the need for genuine market correction,” it said, claiming exports were permitted because of “abundant” domestic supplies. “Now, in light of price hikes, importing sugar is necessary to restore market balance,” it added.