LAHORE – Sugar rates have shown a sharp rise over the past few days because of growing conflict between sugar millers and the Central Grocery Association.
The rate of sugar in the open market of Lahore has risen from Rs164 per kg to Rs175 per kg, which is an extra burden on common consumers.
The president of the Central Grocery Association has squarely accused the owners of the sugar mill and the concerned bureaucracy for the crisis. He added that during February, sugar was available at Rs125 per kg, but after export of the commodity was permitted, the prices escalated.
He alleged that the government permitted sugar exports in spite of the fact that there was no surplus stock, and it benefited only specific elements.
He further added that the sugar mill owners are unfairly blaming them for the price hike, while in reality the control and reserve stocks rest with the mill owners.
The hike in sugar prices also come in a time of increase in its demand because of the summer weather as people utilized it in various beverages.
At the same time, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has directed the lowering of sugar prices. Leading a meeting in Islamabad, he has directed members of the Sugar Mills Association to lower sugar prices.
He went on to say that the ex-mill price of sugar should be lowered from Rs164 per kg to Rs 154-Rs159.
The Mills Association assured the Deputy Prime Minister of their compliance.