Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain has firmly denied reports of a sugar crisis in Pakistan, asserting that the country has ample sugar stock and stable market prices.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on Thursday, the minister dismissed widespread concerns, stating, “There is no sugar crisis. The country has sufficient stock, and prices are under control.” His remarks come amid rising complaints from citizens and media reports highlighting severe shortages and price hikes across major cities.

According to reports, markets in Lahore and Islamabad are grappling with low supplies, while prices in Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta have surged to Rs190 per kilogram—well above the official price cap.

However, Tanveer insisted that sugar trade, including imports and exports, is not a new development. “Pakistan has been exporting and importing sugar for the last ten years. Every decision is taken through the Sugar Advisory Board, which includes federal and provincial representatives,” he explained.

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He added that last year’s sugar surplus of 1.3 million metric tonnes justified the government’s decision to allow exports. At the time, Pakistan had an opening stock of 800,000 metric tonnes, and the total production reached 6.8 million metric tonnes. Export permissions were granted in October 2024, just 20 days before the crushing season began. Global prices then stood at $750 per tonne, while local rates hovered around Rs138 per kilogramme.

“It was agreed that sugar would not be sold for more than Rs140 per kilogram in domestic markets,” he noted.

This year, however, sugar production dropped to 5.8 million metric tonnes — short of the anticipated seven million tonnes. Still, the minister assured that the government is actively monitoring the situation. He announced a fixed new price to stabilize the market and warned that stern action is being taken against hoarders who are trying to manipulate supply.

Tanveer also clarified that any future decision to import sugar would be carefully balanced to ensure that sugarcane growers remain protected while consumers are shielded from price shocks.