Sugar becomes costlier across Pakistan, govt rates ignored

After another price hike, sugar has become unaffordable for the public, while city administrations appear unable to control the rising rates.

Shopkeepers in many areas are charging their own rates, and official prices are not being followed, which has increased frustration for people already struggling with inflation. Despite the government fixing the sugar price at 176 to 177 rupees per kg, the commodity is still not available at the official rate in most markets.

In Lahore, sugar is being sold between 190 and 220 rupees per kg. In Rawalpindi, the price is around 190 rupees, while in Peshawar it has climbed to 210 to 220 rupees per kg. Similarly, Quetta is seeing prices near 185 rupees per kg. Karachi’s Retailers Association estimates the official price to be 177 rupees, but market rates have reached 190 rupees in retail and 195 rupees per kilogram at the wholesale level.

In Faisalabad, the price of sugar has jumped by 20 to 25 rupees per kg within one week. Although the official rate there is 175 rupees, shops are selling it for 200 to 210 rupees per kg. Meanwhile, in Hyderabad, sugar is being sold between 185 and 190 rupees per kilogram, and a 50-kg bag is priced at around 9,150 rupees in wholesale markets.

Along with sugar, prices of essential commodities like ghee, cooking oil, flour, tomatoes, and onions have also risen, increasing pressure on households. People are demanding strict government action to ensure rate control and proper market monitoring so basic food items remain affordable for the public.