Pakistan is experiencing continued upward pressure on sugar prices, with costs rising for the second consecutive week despite the ongoing sugarcane crushing season, which normally helps stabilize or reduce rates. Fresh data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) indicate that sugar prices surged by up to Rs 20 per kilogram across multiple cities, placing additional financial strain on households.
Karachi has been the most affected, with sugar prices reaching Rs 220 per kg following a one-week increase of Rs 20. In the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, sugar is being sold at Rs 190 per kg, while Gujranwala reports prices around Rs 180 per kg. Lahore residents are paying Rs 179 per kg, according to PBS figures.
Central Punjab cities such as Faisalabad, Sargodha, Multan, and Bahawalpur are reporting prices of Rs 180 per kg. In Sindh, Hyderabad has sugar priced at Rs 215 per kg, Sukkur at Rs 195, and Larkana at Rs 205 per kg. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also faces elevated rates, with Peshawar at Rs 190 per kg and Bannu at Rs 180. In Balochistan, Quetta recorded one of the highest prices at Rs 216 per kg, while Khuzdar reported Rs 210 per kg.
The persistent price hikes during a period of peak sugarcane production have raised concerns among consumers, economists, and market analysts. Questions are being raised about possible supply chain disruptions, hoarding, and market inefficiencies that may be contributing to the unexpected surge in sugar costs. The situation has sparked calls for closer monitoring of distribution channels and interventions to protect consumers from continued financial pressure.
