ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) on Saturday expressed concerns over the government’s decision to import sugar despite the fact that sufficient stocks of sugar are available in the country till 15th November.
Cane Commissioner Punjab Amjad Hafeez held a meeting with Pakistan Sugar Mills Association secretary general in which he was told that sugar industry has always cooperated with the government in the larger national interest however, sale of sugar in the market has been badly affected due to ban on inter-provincial and inter-district movement of sugar and closure of FBR portal. The secretary general said that like other crops, floods and torrential rains have badly affected sugarcane crop as well and it will take time for sugarcane crop to fully mature.
He said that as already intimated to government that sufficient stocks of sugar are available in the country till 15th November, 2025 but despite this assurance, government accepted the tenders for import of 0.35 MMT sugar for which duties and taxes have been waived off. With the arrival of imported sugar in the market and presence of sugar stocks in the mills, starting of crushing season early will not be feasible. He expressed concern that if such restrictions in free movement of sugar continue, then it will not only affect the industry but also the growers. The secretary general demanded the government to take stock of this grave situation and steer the country out of this crisis jointly with the sugar industry.
