To tackle the ongoing sugar crisis in the country, the federal government has initiated key measures, including a firm deadline for sugar mills to begin crushing from November 1, without exception.

Sources in the Ministry of National Food Security confirmed that imported sugar is expected to arrive in Pakistan by the end of September, with shipments landing at Karachi Port.

The government has also reviewed sugar millers’ demand for an increase in ex-mill sugar prices to ensure timely crushing. However, officials warn that any delay in starting the season will result in further imports of sugar to stabilise the market.

Meanwhile, the government has assumed full control over sugar stockpiles, including those held by private mills. Surveillance of these reserves is now underway to prevent artificial shortages and arbitrary price hikes, Food Security officials confirmed.

Sources say that FBR officials have been deployed across the country to monitor sugar mill warehouses.

Additionally, the names of 18 sugar mill owners and relevant stakeholders have been placed on the Exit Control List (ECL). Authorities say these names will be made public soon. At present, 1.9 million metric tonnes of sugar are under direct government supervision.

To meet immediate demand, Pakistan floated global tenders to import 100,000 metric tonnes of sugar.

According to European traders, the lowest bid, $539 per tonne (C&F), was submitted by UK-based ED&F Man for the supply of 50,000 tonnes of refined white sugar.

Other major bids include 25,000 tonnes from Dreyfus at $567.40 per tonne and 30,000 tonnes of medium-grain sugar from Al Khaleej Sugar at $599 per tonne

The Trading Corporation of Pakistan is currently reviewing the bids, but no final agreements have been signed yet.

Meanwhile, the federal government has directed provincial authorities to launch a strict crackdown on sugar hoarders to bring hidden stocks into the market.