Sugar prices in Peshawar have risen dramatically despite the ongoing sugarcane crushing season, with rates increasing by 20 rupees per kilogram in the previous month, causing concern among Ramadan preparations.
A 50-kg bag of sugar currently costs Rs. 7,400 at Peshawar's Rampura wholesale market, up from Rs. 6,500 just a month earlier. Though the district government sets an official price ceiling of Rs. 145 per kilogram, retail prices have surpassed Rs. 150 per kilogram.
Although Peshawar's wholesale markets show plenty of sugar, market watchers note that prices keep rising. Though these assertions remain unsubstantiated by independent sources, traders blame declining sugarcane output and continuous sugar exports for the price spike.
Local people are worried about the price rise, especially when they get ready for higher sugar intake during the next holy month, Ramadan. People have encouraged government officials to consider the matter and apply sensible price control policies.
Although the Peshawar district government has set official tariffs at Rs. 145 per kilogram, stores all around the city are not following these advised boundaries. The differences between official and market rates draw attention to the difficulties in retail price control system implementation.
Emphasizing the crucial nature of the good during the fasting month, local customers have demanded quick assistance from authorities to stabilize sugar prices before the start of Ramadan.
