In the first seven months of FY 2024-25, Pakistan’s sugar exports to Afghanistan surged by 4,332%, with sales reaching $262.68 million compared to just $5.93 million in the same period the previous year.
This dramatic rise in sugar exports has positioned it as the leading contributor to Pakistan’s export growth to Afghanistan. The total increase amounted to $256.76 million year-over-year.
Since December, local sugar prices have risen by Rs26 per kg. Last year, prices spiked to Rs180 per kg due to profiteering activities. Rauf Ibrahim, Chairman of the Wholesale Grocers Association, noted that current wholesale prices have reached Rs150 per kg, with advance transactions for March priced at Rs152 per kg.
Traders have expressed concerns over the activities of hoarding groups, especially as Ramazan approaches. During this period, sugar consumption in Pakistan typically increases from 550,000 tons to 1 million tons monthly. Traders have warned of potential further price escalations if the government does not intervene promptly.
Read: Punjab Govt Delays Lead to Potential 40% Sugar Price Increase
In response to the market dynamics, the federal cabinet authorized the export of an additional 500,000 metric tons of sugar in October 2024. It also implemented regulatory measures to mitigate domestic price fluctuations and ensure sufficient local supply. These included setting the retail sugar price at Rs145.15 per kilogram and establishing strict monitoring to avoid price increases.
The cabinet also stipulated that export permissions would be revoked if sugar prices exceeded this threshold, ensuring a balance between export revenues and domestic market stability.
