The sugar prices have surged sharply across the country in recent days amid a shortage, sources said on Sunday.

Blaming short supply, many shopkeepers have started selling at much higher prices against the rates fixed by the government.

The commodity remains largely unavailable at official rates and is being sold for as high as Rs210 per kilogram in open markets.

In Lahore, sugar is being sold at Rs210 per kg in the open market. While many shops display official price lists but they said the commodity is not available.

In Islamabad, the official rate stands at Rs179 per kg; however, sugar is being sold at Rs181 to Rs185 per kg at retail outlets.

Retailers in the federal capital stated that the government-supplied sugar is available only in limited quantities, making it difficult for them to meet consumer demand.

In Peshawar, sugar prices spiked suddenly, with wholesale rates reaching Rs190 per kg and retail prices ranging from Rs200 to Rs210.

Similarly, in Quetta, sugar is being sold between Rs205 and Rs215 per kg, adding to the public’s distress.

Retailers said that selling sugar at government rates has become increasingly difficult.

President of the Kiryana Association, Saleem Parvez Butt, stated that retailers are barely able to sell sugar at Rs185 per kg, while authorities are imposing fines for exceeding official prices.

He added that shopkeepers are facing penalties despite an acute shortage in supply, warning that if adequate sugar supply is not ensured, retailers may be forced to halt sales altogether.