Imported sugar to be sold at Rs83.5 per kg in Lahore markets

A consignment carrying 779 metric tons of sugar reached Rawalpindi from the Karachi port on Wednesday following a month-long sugar crisis. The new stock will be sold in markets at Rs 83.5 per kg.

Sugar was previously sold at Rs 110 in the open market, and at Rs 70 in utility stores. However, utility store outlets were selling 5 kg bags of sugar instead of 1 kg packs.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) General Zaheer Anwar Jappa told the media that distribution to vendors has begun.

He said that “the district administration will ensure that the sugar would be sold at the prescribed rate. Jappa added that more sugar will reach the market later this month as the sugarcane crushing season starts on November 10.

The government decided to import sugar to overcome the ongoing crisis. As per details, the current stock will be enough for some months.

Meanwhile, price magistrates have raided 769 shops in the district and fined Rs. 250,000 to 122 shopkeeper for overcharging.

“Any shopkeeper found overcharging will be sent to jail and their shops will be sealed immediately,” he added.

The Lahore district administration has also notified retailers that imported sugar will be sold at Rs. 83.5 per kg in the markets. Deputy Commissioner Mudassar Riaz issued the notification, which said that the imported sugar will not be sold commercially, or to wholesalers.

All price control magistrates have been asked to implement the notification immediately.