Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring essential items remain affordable, prioritizing the regulation of sugar prices and the prevention of hoarding. During a meeting on sugar supply and pricing, he acknowledged the success of recent crackdowns on smuggling and instructed authorities to implement strict measures against price manipulation. He emphasized that federal and provincial collaboration is crucial in protecting consumers from inflation.
As Ramadan approaches, Shehbaz Sharif warned that any negligence in price control would be unacceptable. Officials assured him that sugar production levels are adequate for domestic demand, while fair price shops have been established to sell sugar at lower rates. Efforts to eliminate smuggling continue, with district administrations actively monitoring the market and taking action against illegal hoarding.
Despite these measures, food prices have surged significantly with the start of Ramadan, making basic necessities difficult to afford for many consumers. Sugar prices have risen from Rs145 to Rs165 per kg, while cooking oil and ghee have increased by Rs50-100 per liter. Live chicken prices have escalated to Rs485 per kg from Rs340, and boneless meat now costs over Rs500 per kg. Butchers continue to impose arbitrary rates, with beef priced at Rs1,200 per kg and mutton reaching Rs2,500 per kg. A dozen farm eggs are selling for Rs300, while desi eggs have exceeded Rs500 per kg.
Vegetable prices also remain high, with peas at Rs120 per kg, capsicum at Rs200 per kg, and bitter gourd reaching Rs250 per kg. Flour prices continue to climb, with a 20-kg fine flour bag costing between Rs1,750 and Rs1,900. Additionally, the cost of beverages, tea, and rice has surged, with black tea now at Rs1,500 per kg and premium rice priced at Rs320 per kg.
