Lahore: Ongoing dispute between sugar mill owners and the government over sugar pricing remains unresolved as sugar millers refused to drop the rates.

As per details, the government and sugar millers failed to reach consensus on the prices as the millers refused to sell sugar at Rs 140 per kg, the sources said and added that sugar prices are expected to rise further ahead of Eidul Fitr due to shortage. Sugar mill representatives have reportedly warned that if the Pakistan government intervenes to reduce prices, sugar supply to the market may be halted.

They also pointed out that the government itself allowed sugar exports and should not complain about the resulting shortage. Currently, sugar is being sold in retail markets at Rs170 to Rs175 per kg. Despite the government’s efforts to stabilize prices, no significant reduction has been observed.

It is to be noted that Pakistan government allowed sugar millers to export sugar on the assurance of stability of the rate. Sources said on March 14 that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of inflating prices and ordered a crackdown on sugar hoarding.