The price of sugar has increased once again in Quetta, rising from Rs185 to Rs195 per kilogram following a jump of Rs10 to Rs12 per kilo in the open market.
The continued surge has added to the burden of citizens already struggling with inflation. According to traders in Balochistan, owners of sugar mills are primarily responsible for the repeated price hikes. They alleged that the mill owners have created an artificial shortage to profit from the crisis.
Markazi Anjuman Tajiran Balochistan General Secretary Yaseen Mengal stated that profiteering under the guise of scarcity has become a frequent tactic among mill owners.
Commissioner Quetta Division, Hamza Shafqaat said that an increase in legal trade has followed efforts to curb sugar smuggling. He said that the crackdown has played a significant role in stabilising the market, although challenges remain.
Customs officials report that sugar smuggling in Balochistan has been reduced by approximately 80 per cent. However, smuggling continues on a limited scale in border regions including Chaghi, Noshki, Kharan, Nokundi, Chaman and Qila Abdullah. Authorities are currently devising a comprehensive strategy to address the issue.
