Fri Mar 21 05:27:04 UTC 2025: **Pakistan’s Sugar Prices Rise Despite Overall Inflation Drop**
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Despite a significant drop in overall inflation in Pakistan, the price of sugar has surged nearly 22 percent in recent months, reaching 171 rupees ($0.61) per kilogram. However, this increase hasn’t drastically impacted consumer spending, as many report that the stability of other commodity prices allows them to absorb the cost.
While the government is actively attempting to control sugar prices, with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar aiming to cap them at 164 rupees per kilogram, consumers, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, continue to purchase sugar in significant quantities. The increased demand is attributed to traditional Ramadan practices involving sugary drinks and desserts.
Business owners report varied responses to the price hike. Some dessert shops absorbed the increased cost of sugar to maintain customer loyalty during Ramadan, planning price increases post-Eid. Others, such as juice vendors, directly pass on the higher costs to consumers.
The price hike is partly blamed on sugar hoarding by wholesalers, taking advantage of increased demand. However, grocery store owners report that while sales have slightly decreased due to higher prices, consumption remains relatively consistent, reflecting the strong preference for sugar amongst Pakistanis. The government attributes the increase to hoarding and aims to curb this practice to stabilize prices. Despite the rising cost, several families interviewed reported maintaining consistent sugar consumption throughout Ramadan.
First Piper 