RAWALPINDI:
The sugar crisis in Punjab, including Rawalpindi, has intensified following a deadlock between sugar mills, government authorities, wholesale dealers, brokers, and retail merchants.
The Retail Merchants Association has halted all purchases from sugar mills, issuing directives to retailers to sell off current stock and cease further sugar sales. Retailers with surplus stock have been advised to distribute it to smaller shopkeepers to liquidate inventory.
The association warned of a severe sugar shortage next week, with prices potentially reaching Rs220/kg.
Association leaders Sheikh Rizwan Shaukat and Saleem Pervaiz Butt stated they will not be blackmailed or intimidated.
“Our dignity comes before profit,” they said, accusing sugar mill owners of becoming untouchable due to political connections. Retailers claim they cannot sell sugar purchased at Rs176-180 per kg for Rs173 per kg, as enforced by price controls.