In a troubling development, sugar prices in Pakistan have skyrocketed to Rs143 per kg in retail markets nationwide, intensifying the financial burden on an already inflation-stricken population.
Official data reveals a substantial increase from the December figure of Rs95.29 per kg, reflecting an average surge of Rs48 per kg over the past year.
Regional variations in sugar prices are evident, with Quetta reporting the highest rate at Rs174 per kg, followed closely by Peshawar and Islamabad at Rs150 per kg.
Residents of Rawalpindi and Lahore are also grappling with the impact of the commodity, priced at Rs150 per kg, while in Sargodha, Multan, and Gujranwala, the cost stands at Rs145 per kg.
Recent reports from November 29 indicate that the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) successfully procured 40,000 metric tonnes of sugar at a rate of Rs124.90 per kg. Insiders familiar with the matter revealed that this acquisition aligns with a tender issued the previous month.
This procurement represents a significant cost saving of Rs10.37 per kg compared to the corporation’s previous tender. Factoring in additional expenses, the total cost to the USC is expected to be Rs138.
The surge in sugar prices further compounds the economic challenges faced by Pakistani citizens as they grapple with the ongoing impact of inflation. The situation underscores the urgent need for measures to stabilize prices and alleviate the financial strain on the populace.
