Govt takes full control of sugar stock amid ongoing crisis
Business
The FBR agents have been deployed at all sugar mills to monitor the supply
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The government on Thursday launched a crackdown on sugar mills while taking full control of all the stock countrywide amid the ongoing crisis.
According to officials from the food ministry, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) agents have been deployed at all sugar mills to monitor the supply from the warehouses.
Moreover, a "Track and Trace" system has been installed to keep a digital record of the sugar stock movement.
Authorities confirmed that approximately 1.9 million metric tons of sugar have now been shifted from private control to the government oversight.
The move came amid fears of an artificial shortage and a further spike in sugar prices.
Ministry sources revealed that 18 sugar mill owners have been placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) and their names would be made public soon.
PAC seeks full record of sugar mill owners as prices soar above Rs200 per kg
Earlier, the FBR officials were also deployed at ghee mills to monitor their production, stock, and supply chains in an effort to curb hoarding and ensure price stability.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued a stern warning against any breaches of the recently agreed sugar prices, vowing “stern action” against those attempting to exploit consumers through price manipulation or artificial shortages.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday, the prime minister reviewed the nationwide sugar supply and pricing situation, reaffirming the government’s intent to safeguard the public from economic exploitation.
During the meeting, officials briefed the premier on the enforcement of the pricing agreement reached with the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA).
