No shortage of sugar in country: Dar

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has firmly stated that there is no sugar shortage in the country, nor will there be one in the future.

Presiding over a meeting of the special committee in Islamabad on Wednesday—formed by the Prime Minister to assess the available stock and pricing of sugar—he also addressed concerns raised by sugar mill owners.

Ishaq Dar announced that the Ex-Mill Rate of sugar for one month would be set at 159 rupees per kilogram, while the Retail Price would be 164 rupees per kilogram.

He pledged strict action against those attempting to create an artificial shortage of sugar.

Commending the efforts of sugar mill owners and trade associations, he acknowledged their role in ensuring sugar availability at 130 rupees per kilogram in 274 “Sasta Ramazan Bazaars.”

Additionally, Ishaq Dar announced the formation of a sub-committee led by Minister for Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, with representation from all relevant stakeholders, including sugar mill owners. The sub-committee will develop a mechanism to ensure steady supply and price control of sugar and will present its report within one month.

He also stated that the next sugarcane crushing season will commence in November this year, warning that strict measures will be taken against any violations.