Government clears way for surplus sugar exports with safeguards against local price hikes

The federal government has authorised preparations to export surplus sugar, while directing officials to protect domestic availability and retail prices. Profit by Pakistan Today reported that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar gave these instructions at a Cabinet Committee on the Export of Surplus Sugar meeting on Wednesday.

Officials reviewed stocks, local consumption needs and the procedures for arranging shipments. Dar said exports should help earn foreign exchange, but instructed departments to retain strategic reserves and watch market conditions for signs of upward price pressure. The government has not disclosed how much sugar could be exported, when shipments might begin or the reserve volume it intends to maintain.