Sugar prices have soared to Rs200 per kilogramme in different cities of Pakistan, a record high price in a country where many are already suffering from back-breaking inflation.

Many shopkeepers have blamed the high cost of transportation for the recent hike in prices of basic commodities while the poor people seek relief. Pakistan recently hiked the petrol prices by nearly Rs15, breaking the Rs300 per litre mark.

An increase in petrol prices has a direct impact on basic items in Pakistan.

The sweetener was being sold at Rs185/kg in Karachi’s retail market while its whole rate stood at Rs178/kg, traders said. But it was being sold at Rs200/kg in Quetta and Sukkur

According to media reports, the retail sugar price to Rs150-165 per kilogram last month due to a lack of vigilance on hoarding and black marketing of sweetener.

The sensitive price index for the week ended on August 31, 2023, showed a major increase in the prices of food items, including sugar (7.17%) and jaggery (2.11%).

On September 1, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar directed authorities concerned to strictly curb the smuggling of sugar, petroleum products, urea, agricultural products and other items of daily use.

He issued the orders while presiding over a meeting to discuss steps to curb the smuggling of food and other items of daily use.

Officials told him that 10 additional check posts of law enforcement agencies would be set up to curb the smuggling of essential commodities in Balochistan.

Sources told Aaj News that the sweetener was being smuggled to Afghanistan via Balochistan, leading to an increase in its price in Pakistani markets.

They added that Balochistan customs with the help of law enforcement agencies recovered thousands of sacks of sugar loaded in 20 trucks during an operation. They were worth over Rs700 million, sources said and added that more operations would be conducted.

But there were reports that some shopkeepers have started hoarding sugar amid high prices.