Islamabad, March 19, 2025: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has set the retail price of sugar at Rs164 per kg, capping the ex-mill rate at under Rs159 per kg. Declaring the sale of sugar at Rs178-180 per kg as unacceptable, he assured that strict measures would be taken to prevent artificial shortages.
Addressing the nation after chairing a high-level meeting on sugar prices, Dar announced the formation of a sub-committee to present recommendations within a month. Headed by Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, the committee will finalize a long-term strategy by April 19.
Dar emphasized that extensive discussions had taken place with the sugar mills association, which outlined its concerns. The meeting, attended by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, PM’s Adviser Haroon Akhtar, and senior officials, focused on ensuring price stability and protecting consumers from undue inflation.
He reassured the public that there was no actual shortage of sugar in the country, dismissing any need for imports. The government, he stressed, would take firm action against those attempting to manipulate supply for profit.
In a bid to provide relief, Dar acknowledged the sugar mills association’s cooperation in offering sugar at a subsidized rate of Rs130 per kg at 274 sasta bazaars nationwide. He also hinted at a potential two-tier pricing system to make sugar even more affordable.
“The government will not tolerate price manipulation,” Dar warned, vowing to take decisive action against those creating an artificial crisis in the market.
