In a bid to stabilize rising sugar prices across the country, the federal government has decided to import 500,000 tonnes of sugar. The move was announced by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.
Dismissing reports of a sugar shortage, the ministry clarified that Pakistan currently has adequate sugar stocks to meet domestic demand. “The impression that there is not enough sugar for public consumption is entirely baseless,” a ministry spokesperson said in a statement.
The ministry explained that the decision to allow sugar exports last season was made only after confirming an excess of reserves. Officials also reiterated that no subsidy was offered on the exported sugar — a key difference from past practices.
“The recent decision to import sugar is solely for price stabilization and public convenience, not because of a shortage,” the statement added. “The presence of additional stocks will help in balancing market forces.”
The ministry also addressed recent media reports suggesting instability in the agricultural commodities market, calling them “inaccurate and misleading.” Officials clarified that the sale and purchase of agricultural products are based on seasonal cycles, not financial years.
The ministry has termed some media reports regarding the agricultural market as false and misleading. Under the government’s current policy framework, all agricultural commodities have been deregulated, allowing market dynamics to determine pricing and trade flows.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and market balance, urging the media to avoid sensationalism in reporting economic policies.
