Pakistan has secured a deal to import 85,000 metric tonnes of sugar from Azerbaijan’s state-owned SOCAR Trading to address domestic shortages and stabilize prices. The Ministry of National Food Security and Research confirmed that all financial formalities, including letters of credit (LCs), have been finalized, with shipments expected to arrive at Pakistani ports within weeks. The sugar will be sold in the open market at subsidized rates to provide relief to consumers.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen sugar reserves and prevent price surges. Authorities have assured that the imported sugar meets international quality standards and will be delivered on schedule. The move comes as major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar face severe shortages, with prices skyrocketing to Rs190 per kilogram, far exceeding official price caps.
In addition to the SOCAR deal, Pakistan has also placed an order for 200,000 metric tonnes of sugar, with the first shipment expected in early September. The government hopes these imports will help stabilize market prices and ease the burden on households struggling with inflation. The sugar crisis has worsened in recent months, with many retailers violating official pricing regulations.
The new imports are expected to boost national stockpiles and ensure a steady supply in the coming months. However, experts warn that long-term solutions, such as increasing local production and cracking down on hoarding, are needed to prevent future shortages. Will these measures bring relief, or is more action required? The coming weeks will be crucial for consumers and policymakers alike.
