Latest news with #Rs190
Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Sugar supply disrupted in metro as wholesalers protest fines
Despite the Prime Minister's directives, sugar is not being supplied at the fixed ex-mill price of Rs165 per kilogram. Following penalties imposed by the administration on wholesale traders, wholesalers in Karachi's Jodia Bazaar have stopped selling sugar. According to Rauf Ibrahim, Chairman of the Wholesale Grocers Association, sugar supply in the wholesale market has been suspended for the past three days, resulting in the retail price surging to Rs200 per kilogram. He said that instead of acting against sugar mills and hoarders, the Karachi administration is unfairly targeting traders. According to a survey by The Express Tribune, as in other parts of the country, sugar at government-fixed prices is unavailable in Karachi, forcing consumers to buy it at inflated rates. Sugar was being delivered at an ex-mill rate of Rs171.50 per kg until three days ago. However, wholesalers stopped purchases following the imposition of heavy fines, leading to a suspension in supply at the official rate of Rs165 per kg. With buying activity halted, a sugar shortage has developed in the wholesale market, pushing prices up across the board - at ex-mill, wholesale, and retail levels. In response to the overpricing, the Karachi Commissioner has launched a crackdown across all districts. A total of 87 profiteers have been penalised, with fines totaling Rs1.077 million. Seven shops were sealed, and two individuals were arrested. According to the survey, sugar prices in the wholesale market have climbed to Rs190 per kg, with retail prices reaching Rs200 per kg. Citizens are calling on the administration to take meaningful steps to ensure sugar is available at government-approved rates.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Sugar price control fails
Despite the Karachi commissioner setting the wholesale price of sugar at Rs170 per kilogramme and the retail price at Rs173, there has been no implementation of these official rates across the city. In wholesale markets, sugar is being sold at Rs175/kg, while at the retail level it is priced around Rs190/kg. In smaller neighborhood shops, the price has surged to as high as Rs200/kg, leaving consumers with no option but to purchase sugar at inflated rates. Although wholesale prices have recently dropped by Rs8/kg to Rs175, this reduction has not been passed on to end consumers. In most city markets, sugar is being sold for between Rs185 and Rs190/kg, with retailers refusing to lower their prices. Under an agreement between the federal government and the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association, the ex-mill price of sugar was fixed at Rs165/kg effective from July 15. Following that, the Karachi commissioner issued official wholesale and retail prices. However, enforcement on the ground remains virtually non-existent. Consumers complain that price control committees have become ineffective, and government measures exist only on paper.
Express Tribune
14-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Sugar price setat Rs165/kg after free-for-all surge
The government and sugar industry have reached an agreement, setting the ex-mill price of sugar at Rs165 per kilogramme, announced the Ministry of National Food Security and Research on Monday. "All provincial governments will ensure the availability of cheap sugar to the public in light of this decision," said a brief statement issued by the ministry. Last week, the PML-N led federal government approved the import of half a million tonnes of sugar in a bid to maintain affordable prices of the commodity. "The committee approved the import of up to 500,000 metric tons of sugar to ensure a stable supply and maintain affordable prices nationwide," said a statement posted on X. In March, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar noted that retail sugar prices should not exceed Rs164 after the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) warned sugar mills against price manipulation. Dar said that according to news reports, there was a spike in sugar prices to Rs178-179, which, he said, was "obviously not tolerable" to the prime minister. In Lahore, sugar is currently being sold at arbitrary prices, ranging between Rs190 to Rs210 per kg. Citizens complain that sugar is not available anywhere in the city at the official rate-- Rs180 per kg. Since last Friday, sugar mills in Sindh and Punjab have halted sugar supply to the markets, said Wholesale Grocers Association Chairman Rauf Ibrahim. He said with supply suspended for the past four days, only stored sugar is currently being sold in Karachi, causing wholesale prices to rise from Rs178180 to Rs182 per kg and retail prices from Rs190195 to Rs200 per kg. Ibrahim criticized the government's lack of interest in cracking down on sugar mill owners and hoarders, warning that this negligence is fueling price hikes. According to sources, a collusion among sugar mill owners is the root cause behind the rising prices. This powerful cartel has historically pressured the government to permit exports under the guise of surplus stock, driving up domestic prices. Between 2015 and 2020, 2.355 million metric tons of sugar were reportedly exported to Afghanistan. However, Afghan government data confirms only 1.5 million tons were received. 778,000 metric tons were smuggled, with no records found for this volume. In past years, 26 mills benefitted from billions in subsidies for exporting 400,000 metric tons of sugar. Documents show sugar mills extracted Rs4.12 billion in subsidies up to 2021. In March, the price was set at Rs140 per kg. After exporting 750,000 tons, it rose to Rs170 per kg. The government then raised the ex-mill price by Rs20, but sugar crossed Rs200/kg in markets. In response, the government decided to import 500,000 tons of sugar. However, post-2021 IMF conditions banned subsidies on sugar exports. The government is now unable to subsidize the industry or fix minimum sugarcane prices, as the IMF demands complete deregulation of the sugar sector.
Express Tribune
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Imran Khan willing to talk with decision-makers: Ali Amin Gandapur
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said that former prime minister Imran Khan is ready to engage in talks with the country's decision-makers for the sake of Pakistan. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Gandapur accused JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman of being a 'hypocrite,' claiming he is still aligned with the establishment despite public criticism. The K-P CM said the PTI-led movement has already begun on Imran's instructions and would reach its peak by August 5th. 'A new strategy will be announced after that,' he said, adding that the nation has awakened politically. Gandapur alleged that PTI supporters were subjected to torture after 9 May, and that a renewed 'fascist campaign' is underway. 'Imran's cases are not allowed to proceed in courts even,' he added. Gandapur said that even the constitutional right to protest is being taken away. 'We are urging people to come out and protest, yet state institutions have abandoned their constitutional duties and are engaged in unconstitutional actions. They have left counterterrorism and border security to target us instead,' he stated. The K-P chief minister said a mafia structure has taken root in the country. 'Institutions claim they don't engage in politics, but that's exactly what they are doing. I am the son of a soldier, but today the people have turned against the institutions.' He added that Imran has consistently called for dialogue. 'The public is rejecting undemocratic behaviour. If I have met someone for the sake of Pakistan, then yes, I have,' he said. Gandapur alleged that the establishment played a role in orchestrating fake elections and toppling the government. 'Maulana Fazlur Rehman himself admitted that he acted on the instructions of General Bajwa to bring down our government,' he said. The K-P CM said they have given themselves 90 days. 'Under the new strategy, we will take our movement to its peak by August 5. Within these 90 days, we will decide whether or not to continue doing politics in this country,' he stated. He added that there is no deadlock in negotiations. 'They are wasting time to serve their own interests. We have never held secret meetings even in official gatherings, I openly represent my party's agenda,' he said. He said that if they request permission to hold a rally in Lahore, they will also provide a guarantee that no vandalism will take place. 'Even when we don't announce a protest, a crackdown is launched against us,' he added. Gandapur stated, 'God forbid I become like Asif Zardari. I have 56 FIRs against me, including charges of treason. Our 90-day period starts from tomorrow within this time, negotiations must take place and issues must be resolved.' He said, 'I admit there are differences within the party, but when a party grows, disagreements are natural. I said it yesterday and I'm saying it again today — we must set aside our internal differences and move forward for a shared ideology'. Gandapur added that K-P has Rs190 billion in its accounts. 'We have generated revenue in KP. Stop twisting our statements into false narratives. The only person who can solve Pakistan's problems is the PTI founder. The world has never accepted a government formed through a stolen mandate,' he said. He said that the party had instructed not to comment on Maulana Fazlur Rehman, but added, 'Maulana Fazlur Rehman is a hypocrite. He is still secretly aligned with the establishment. He gained votes using religion, yet he lost his security deposit in his own constituency.' He further stated, 'Someone elected from Balochistan has no right to speak about K-P. I challenge Maulana Fazlur Rehman to contest and win against my brother. If he fails, he should quit politics. If my brother loses to Maulana, I will leave politics.' The CM of K-P said that their campaign has officially begun today, with a deadline set for 5 August. 'After that, we will decide for ourselves about politics, the state, and our future,' he stated. He added, 'On 8 February, the people proved that the nation has awakened. There's nothing substantial in the cases against Imran Khan, which is why they are not being pursued in court. No political movement in the world has faced the kind of oppression we have. We will carry our movement through every street and city across Pakistan.' He said, 'We will soon present a plan outlining our next steps. State institutions have abandoned their actual responsibilities and are engaged in other matters. Those responsible for managing the borders are to blame for the situation in K-P. Your martial laws have damaged both the country and democracy. Institutions are playing a central role in forming, running, and toppling governments. In this country, it is the institutions that are doing the most politics.' Gandapur added, 'Let's sit together, admit our mistakes, and move forward. Even after facing such oppression, the PTI founder is calling for dialogue. This toxic political culture will eventually harm all parties. We have endured a lot, but many others may not. No one can say they are above accountability everyone will have to answer for their actions.' The K-P CM questioned, 'Why was there no terrorism during the PTI founder's tenure? Look at the record — how many attacks and drone strikes occurred during our time.' He urged, 'Let's sit down and have a reasoned discussion. After the 26th amendment, even the judiciary has been shackled. Set aside your stubbornness and ego, and talk for the nation's sake. If accountability is to happen, then everyone who has made mistakes must face consequences.' He also said that the PTI founder's sons are welcome to come to Pakistan. 'They haven't announced any plans to enter politics. And if they do, that is our concern, not any other party's,' he stated. United front Meanwhile, PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja rejected claims of divisions within the party, calling it a narrative manufactured by the country's power brokers. Speaking at a press conference, he said, 'This is a country of elites. The entire party gathering in Lahore is proof that we are united in our demand for the release of our founder, Imran Khan.' Raja said Imran Khan's release symbolises the freedom of the state, judiciary, and the nation. 'Under his leadership, we will change the course of this country's history,' he added, vowing that the events of 8 February will not be forgotten. He highlighted PTI's introduction of the health card scheme and said Pakistan's poor stand firmly with the party. 'The entire nation and party are united for the release of the PTI founder,' he reiterated. He further accused the government of economic manipulation, stating, 'Millions of tonnes of sugar were exported and then re-imported at higher prices.' Raja said PTI's movement will rise from every household across the country. 'We have made a promise to the people we are not backing down,' he declared.
Express Tribune
05-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Sweetener being sold at Rs190/kg, admits govt
Listen to article The government on Friday admitted that sugar prices have mounted up to "nearly Rs190 per kilogram in most cities" of the country and it has now decided to import 500,000 metric tons of sugar to bridge the shortfall. The admission about the rising prices was made by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives in a statement, which it issued after a meeting of the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC). Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, chaired the meeting to review the inflationary trends and pricing mechanism across the country. "Sugar prices have surged, reaching nearly Rs190 per kilogram in most cities", according to the press statement. According to a separate inflation bulletin that the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics released on Friday, the maximum prices of sugar increased to Rs196 per kilogram in the country. The sugar price surge is caused by the government's decision to export 765,000 metric tons of sugar on the basis of a claim that the country had surplus stocks. Before the export of sugar, the prices were Rs140 per kg, which went up by Rs56 per kg or 40% higher. The Planning Ministry stated that the country has witnessed a decline in sugar production this year, with output falling to 5.8 million tons from 6.8 million tons. In response, the Ministry of Food has decided to import 500,000 tons of sugar to stabilize the market, it added. The meeting was informed that prices of several essential items, including LPG, bananas, mustard oil, chickpeas, and moong dal, have decreased. During the meeting, the Chief Statistician presented key data indicating that the inflation rate for the fiscal year 2024-25 stood at 4.5%, significantly down from 23.4% recorded during the previous year. Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted this as the lowest inflation rate in the past nine years, reflecting the government's effective policy interventions and improved supply-side management. In urban areas, food inflation was recorded at 4.2%, compared to 6.2% last year. However, supply chain disruptions due to highway closures in Sindh were noted as a contributing factor in localized price fluctuations. Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the importance of effective monitoring through the Price Scorecard system. He highlighted during the meeting that the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa accessed the system 114 times, while Sindh accessed it only 10 times, Punjab 6 times, and Balochistan did not log in at all. Among Deputy Commissioners, Islamabad logged in 27 times, Karachi 6 times, and Quetta 4 times. The Minister expressed concern over the underutilization of the Price Scorecard by provincial administrations, stated the Planning Ministry. To improve monitoring, the Minister directed the PBS to provide login reports to chief secretaries on a monthly basis. He further directed all deputy commissioners to compare wholesale and retail prices regularly and take corrective action where necessary. Provincial governments were urged to actively supervise and support this process. In the last meeting, the Planning Minister had directed that the Competition Commission of Pakistan would coordinate with the food ministry and provincial governments to determine fair and reasonable profit margins between wholesale & retail trade. It has been decided that the CCP will complete this task in the next three weeks and share the agreed profit margin range for vegetables, fruits & grocery items with NPMC in the next meeting. However, the decision remained unimplemented. The CCP has informed that any form of collective price-setting mechanism including determining or endorsing a "fair and reasonable profit margins" is fundamentally inconsistent with the Commission's legal and institutional role. It had also been decided last time that the provincial governments will strengthen their price monitoring mechanisms. A delegation of experts from PBS had visited all provinces and met the provincial stakeholders for consultations and briefing on the price monitoring system. During the meetings, de-tailed presentations were made on usage of DSSI as a data providing tool for price monitoring. The provincial governments have also been asked again to strengthen the price monitoring system by enhancing use of the Decision Support System for Inflation (DSSI) in their jurisdiction.
