The price of sugar has sharply risen to Rs160 per kilogram in retail markets across Pakistan, further straining consumers already struggling with inflation.
According to the latest data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the highest sugar rates are observed in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Karachi, where consumers are paying Rs160 per kg. In cities like Gujranwala, Sialkot, Khuzdar, and Quetta, sugar is being sold at Rs155 per kg, while the price stands at Rs150 per kg in Faisalabad, Sargodha, Multan, and Larkana.
Similarly, Rawalpindi and Lahore are witnessing sugar prices at Rs150 per kg, while in Sargodha, Multan, and Gujranwala, the rate is slightly lower at Rs145 per kg. In Bannu and Quetta, the commodity is available at Rs150 per kg, whereas Hyderabad sees a price of Rs148 per kg. In Bahawalpur and Sukkur, sugar is being sold at Rs145 per kg.
The continuous surge in sugar prices remains a pressing concern, particularly as inflation continues to impact essential commodities. In response, the government is considering introducing a Federal Excise Duty (FED) on sugar to address the ongoing revenue shortfall. This decision is being weighed ahead of the upcoming International Monetary Fund (IMF) review, which is critical for securing the second tranche of Pakistan’s loan program.