LAHORE, March 2, 2025 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a crucial high-level meeting on Sunday to assess and review the supply and price control of essential commodities, with a particular focus on sugar. The meeting highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure a stable and affordable supply of food and beverages across the country, particularly as the holy month of Ramazan approaches.
In his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized that the government would not tolerate any disruption in the smooth supply of food and essential goods to the general public at reasonable prices. He highlighted that over recent months, the government had taken strict actions to combat sugar smuggling, resulting in a notable reduction in illegal activities that were impacting the sugar market. The Prime Minister made it clear that additional stringent measures would be implemented to further control sugar prices and ensure their accessibility to the public.
The Prime Minister also directed the relevant government departments to enforce stronger control over sugar prices, ensuring that any illegal or unjustified increases in cost are dealt with immediately. He specifically pointed to the upcoming Ramazan period, stressing the importance of having a clear and effective strategy in place for the smooth distribution of sugar and other essential food items at affordable prices. The government’s approach, as outlined by the Prime Minister, will involve close coordination between federal and provincial authorities, ensuring that all areas of the country are adequately supplied with these critical commodities.
During the meeting, government officials briefed the Prime Minister that the current sugar stock in the country is sufficient to meet demand. Additionally, to mitigate the financial burden on the public, fair price shops have been established at the provincial level where sugar is being sold at subsidized prices. This initiative is aimed at providing relief to consumers, particularly during high-demand periods like Ramazan.
The Prime Minister reiterated that any illegal stockpiling of sugar would not be tolerated, and immediate action would be taken against offenders. He urged district administrations across the country to monitor sugar availability and ensure that it is distributed fairly to all regions. Strict action would also be taken against those involved in hoarding and smuggling activities that disrupt the market and lead to price hikes.
The meeting was attended by several key government figures, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Industry and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, and the Federal Minister for National Food Security. Senior government officials, along with the Chief Secretaries of all four provinces, participated via video link to ensure a unified approach to addressing the challenges of food and beverage supply management.
In closing, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that essential commodities remain affordable and accessible, with particular focus on food security during Ramazan. The government’s proactive approach in controlling prices and preventing illegal activities within the supply chain aims to stabilize the market and alleviate the financial strain on ordinary citizens. The successful implementation of these measures will rely on close cooperation between the federal and provincial governments, along with the active involvement of local administrations in managing the distribution of essential goods.