The Pakistani government has pledged to prevent sugar prices from rising during the upcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Industries and Production Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain made the announcement following a Friday meeting in Islamabad convened to review sugar pricing.

Minister Hussain stated that providing consumer relief during Ramadan is a government responsibility. To this end, sugar millers have been granted a one-week period to consult on pricing, with final rates to be announced on Thursday.

He also emphasized the importance of fair profit-sharing with farmers and urged sugar millers to address the production and financial challenges faced by agricultural producers.

This assurance comes on the heels of a recent Rs5 per kilogram increase in sugar prices at Utility Stores Corporation (USC) outlets, raising the price from Rs140 to Rs145 per kilogram.

The USC attributed this increase to rising open market prices, but noted that even with the increase, sugar at USC outlets remains more affordable than elsewhere.