Pakistan Authorises Sugar Imports as Retail Prices Near Rs200/kg

Pakistan’s retail sugar price has climbed to roughly Rs180–200 per kilogram—almost double the international rate of about Rs104 per kilogram—as supplies tightened following heavy exports earlier this year. The Ministry of National Food Security and Research said it has agreed with millers to fix the ex-mill price at Rs165 per kilogram and directed provincial authorities to enforce the cap. The move follows a surge that saw market rates breach Rs200 despite an official ceiling of Rs164 set in March, when authorities allowed the industry to ship about 750,000 tonnes abroad. To curb further increases, the federal cabinet has cleared imports of up to 500,000 tonnes of sugar. Officials said the first tranche will bring in 50,000 tonnes, with additional purchases contingent on market conditions.