Sugar prices in Pakistan surged again despite government efforts to stabilise the market. According to the Federal Bureau of Statistics, the average price of sugar rose by Rs 3.77 per kg in a single week, reaching Rs 180.93 per kg. The maximum retail price has gone up to Rs 195 per kg.
As per the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), sugar saw a 2.13% increase over the past week. City-wise data shows average prices at Rs 188.7 in Islamabad, Rs 186.31 in Rawalpindi, Rs 185 in Khuzdar, Rs 182.84 in Karachi, Rs 180 in Lahore, and Rs 177.32 in Hyderabad.
The rise follows the government’s decision to export 765,734 tonnes of sugar between July and May 2025, earning Rs 114 billion. However, this led to a local price hike of nearly Rs 50 per kg. To control the situation, the government now plans to import 250,000 tonnes of raw sugar (awaiting cabinet approval) and 500,000 tonnes of refined sugar (approved in principle).
Imported sugar is expected to be costly. The landed cost of raw sugar is Rs 153/kg, which goes up to Rs 181/kg after GST and may reach Rs 249/kg with duties included. This could limit its impact on stabilising local prices.
Further decisions on imports, local enforcement, and future crop output will determine whether sugar prices ease in the coming months.
