Sugar prices reportedly have surged to as high as Rs210 per kilogram in several cities across Pakistan, with Sargodha witnessing a sharp increase of Rs23 per kg within a week, according to official and market reports.
Government documents earlier recorded a slight decline, stating that the average national retail price of sugar fell by Rs0.12 per kg last week, bringing the average to Rs188.81 per kg. However, market surveys indicate that retail prices have climbed significantly above official figures in many areas.
Data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics shows that a year ago, the average per kg sugar price was Rs132.47, compared to the current average of Rs188.69. Despite this, consumers in various cities are paying much higher rates, with the maximum price now touching Rs210 per kg. Peshawar is reported to have the highest retail prices.
During the past week, Sargodha recorded the steepest increase of Rs23 per kg, pushing the price to Rs200 per kg. In Hyderabad and Karachi, prices rose by Rs5 per kg, taking sugar to Rs195 and Rs200 per kg respectively. In the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the highest retail price also stands at Rs200 per kg.
In Lahore, rising complaints about overpricing prompted the Punjab Department of Price Control and Commodities Management to issue a directive to all deputy commissioners. The department acknowledged continued overcharging in the provincial capital and warned that inflated sugar prices were adding to the financial burden on the public.
The letter urged deputy commissioners to ensure immediate action by price control magistrates and to launch strict enforcement measures against retailers selling sugar above the notified rates.
