Sugar Prices Surge by Over 10% in Balochistan Amid Government’s Export Decision
Quetta,Balochistan:Sugar prices across Quetta and the rest of Balochistan have risen by more than 10% within a week, with the government’s decision to allow sugar mills to export sugar being cited as the primary cause for the hike.
According to details, following the government’s permission for sugar mills to export sugar, prices have skyrocketed. Over the past two weeks, the ex-mill price of sugar has increased from Rs. 115 per kilogram to Rs. 125. Small vendors have raised the retail price by Rs. 15 to Rs. 20, with sugar now being sold between Rs. 140 and Rs. 150 per kilogram.
According to the United News Agency (UNA), sugar dealers have predicted that the wholesale price of sugar will reach Rs. 128 per kilogram by December and Rs. 133 per kilogram by January 2025. Should the wholesale price continue to rise, it is expected that the retail price could increase by another Rs. 10 per kilogram in the market.
Sugar dealers have warned that if the government does not take immediate action, the price hike could spiral further, and the sugar crisis could worsen. The government has allowed sugar mills to export sugar multiple times over the last two years, assuring the public that it would not lead to price hikes. However, each time, the government’s claims have proven to be false, and sugar prices have continued to rise steadily.
This situation has sparked concern among consumers in Balochistan, who are already grappling with the increased cost of essential commodities. If the price surge continues, it could put further strain on the purchasing power of the public.
