ISLAMABAD – The federal government’s announcement to import 200,000 tons of sugar has stirred widespread criticism, with many questioning the timing and motive behind the decision—especially after earlier allowing large-scale exports that contributed to soaring domestic prices.
According to officials, sugar mills had submitted stock estimates last year that led Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to approve limited sugar exports. The decision, tied to just a Rs2 per kg retail price increase, came with a caveat: if prices rose beyond a benchmark, exports would be halted.
However, sugar prices skyrocketed from an ex-mill rate of Rs141 to Rs200 per kg in retail markets. Despite the agreement, the price surge went unchecked, prompting critics to accuse the government of enabling profiteering.
Now, in an apparent attempt to cool prices, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research says it has finalized a tender to import sugar from China, with the first shipment expected in early September.
“The purpose is to stabilize supply and prices,” said a spokesperson, adding that the procurement team managed to obtain a discount during the international tender process.
Analysts and traders see the import decision as part of a recurring pattern—where influential sugar millers benefit from export permissions and price hikes, while the public ends up bearing the brunt.
Rather than taking stern action against sugar producers who allegedly failed to honor pricing agreements, the government is again opting for an expensive and reactive solution: imports.
Federal Minister for Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain defended the decision, denying any mafia involvement. Speaking to reporters, he said sugar availability was still adequate and prices were manageable. He brushed off criticism by saying sugar import and export cycles are part of normal seasonal adjustments.
“This issue comes and goes—just like frogs appear in the monsoon,” Hussain quipped, adding that Pakistan has historically both exported and imported sugar depending on market dynamics.
He emphasized that the Sugar Advisory Board—a body comprising federal ministers and provincial stakeholders—had made the export decision collectively. He also revealed that the government currently holds a buffer stock of 500,000 tons.
Despite a rise in cultivated area, sugar production saw a decline this year. Once the shortfall was confirmed, the prime minister intervened and halted the remaining exports, including a 40,000-ton shipment that was pending approval.
While officials claim the import will bring relief to consumers, many argue the crisis was manufactured—and the solution now is just a band-aid on deeper structural problems.