Pakistan has requested that price offers in its international sugar tender for up to 100,000 metric tons remain valid until Tuesday, October 14, traders reported. The extension allows the government to consider the offers further before making a purchase decision.
No purchase has been confirmed yet, and traders believe a deal in this tender is becoming increasingly unlikely. The original bids for the sugar tender were submitted on October 6.
The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP), which manages the import process, has the authority to negotiate with suppliers for several days before finalizing purchases. This flexibility is intended to ensure that Pakistan can secure favorable pricing while maintaining market stability.
The government has approved plans to import 500,000 tons of sugar to help stabilize domestic retail prices. Sugar prices in Pakistan have recently risen sharply, causing concerns for both consumers and policymakers.
In recent weeks, TCP conducted multiple sugar tenders, with the last confirmed purchase of 80,000 tons reported on September 29. The extension of the tender validity period provides additional time to assess market conditions and make a strategic decision regarding imports.
Traders have noted that Pakistan’s sugar imports aim to maintain consistent supply in local markets while preventing further price increases. The government’s intervention is part of a broader effort to ensure affordability for consumers and reduce volatility in the sugar sector.
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The extended sugar tender deadline also allows international suppliers more time to adjust their offers, while giving Pakistani authorities the chance to carefully evaluate available options.
With domestic prices continuing to fluctuate, the TCP’s careful handling of the sugar tender is expected to play a key role in managing supply and stabilizing the market in the coming weeks.
