The PMLN-led Punjab government has failed to regulate sugar prices effectively in Lahore. While enforcement efforts have lowered prices in major markets to the government-set rate of Rs173 per kilogram, neighborhood shops continue to sell sugar at prices as high as Rs200 per kilogram.
Officials report that over 3,700 raids have been conducted across Punjab to tackle overpriced sugar sales. These operations have led to the arrest of 2,326 individuals and the registration of 385 cases against violators. Despite these efforts, the sugar price issue persists, especially in smaller shops.
The Punjab Cane Commissioner’s audit report for 2024-25 reveals another serious problem. Sugar mills owe sugarcane farmers more than Rs3 billion. The report highlights that during the 2023-24 fiscal year, mill owners failed to pay Rs3.0469 billion to farmers on time. According to the law, payments should be made within 15 days of purchasing sugarcane.
Additionally, the report shows that mill owners bought sugarcane at prices below government-set rates. This practice violates the pricing regulations meant to protect farmers’ interests. The total outstanding payment to sugarcane growers now exceeds Rs3.05 billion.
The Punjab Cane Commissioner’s department informed the relevant authorities about these findings in October 2024. However, the department did not receive any response until the audit was finalized in December 2024.
The PMLN government’s inability to fully control sugar prices and ensure timely payments to farmers raises concerns. The ongoing price differences in Lahore’s markets and the mounting debts to farmers point to deeper issues within the sugar industry. The government’s crackdown, although vigorous, has yet to resolve these problems.
As the situation develops, citizens and farmers alike await more effective action from the PMLN-led Punjab government to stabilize sugar prices and support the agricultural sector.
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