The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has postponed the important hearing on the sugar price-fixing case. Over 70 sugar mills were summoned to appear, but the hearing was delayed due to legal teams being unavailable during Supreme Court vacations.
The CCP accepted the request and rescheduled the hearing to take place between September 22 and 25. Many sugar mills have also filed appeals in the Supreme Court against a previous tribunal decision. The CCP has stressed this will be the final adjournment allowed.
The case centers around allegations that sugar mills formed a cartel to fix prices. This has caused artificial inflation in sugar prices, affecting consumers already facing economic difficulties. The CCP said hearings will proceed daily once resumed, with no more delays permitted.
Civil society groups have also demanded a judicial inquiry into the matter. A letter to the Chief Justice of Pakistan requested the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the sugar price-fixing scandal. The letter was signed by political leaders who raised concerns over billions lost to public due to alleged manipulation by sugar mills.
Meanwhile, sugar prices continue to rise in local markets. In Lahore’s Akbari Mandi, sugar prices increased by Rs1 per kilogram, now selling at Rs171 per kg. This hike occurred without any official change in the government-set rates.
In Sindh, only one sugar mill is supplying sugar at the official rate of Rs165 per kg. Sugar from other mills is selling at Rs170 per kg wholesale, with retailers charging even higher prices.
Traders have limited sugar sales to a maximum of 10 bags per retailer. This restriction reflects ongoing supply shortages and market manipulation concerns involving sugar mills.
The CCP and authorities are under pressure to resolve the issue quickly to protect consumers and ensure fair pricing.
Also Read: Sugar Prices Down As Crackdown Intensifies
