In a decisive move to control rising sugar prices and address an alleged artificial shortage, the federal government has taken control of sugar stocks across Pakistan. According to the Ministry of Food, around 1.9 million metric tons of sugar stored in private mills have been seized and placed under state supervision.
The government has also moved to restrict the movement of key stakeholders. Eighteen sugar mill owners have reportedly been added to the Exit Control List (ECL), with an official announcement expected shortly.
To ensure tighter oversight, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials have been stationed at sugar mills, and a track-and-trace system has been implemented to monitor stock levels in real time.
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Meanwhile, the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association has strongly refuted the government’s narrative. In a detailed rebuttal, the group denied involvement in any hoarding or artificial shortage. It stated that sugar is being sold at Rs165 per kilogram at the ex-mill level and argued that pricing responsibility lies with the government.
The association further insisted that there is no immediate threat of a supply shortfall, as current reserves will last until mid-November. It blamed recent disruptions on administrative delays, not hoarding, and claimed that industrial buyers and market speculation are behind recent price surges.