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Sugar Prices in Pakistan 2025: Latest Rates and Insights
Sugar, a staple in every Pakistani household, is more than just a sweetener—it’s a key ingredient in our daily lives, from morning chai to festive desserts. However, the recent surge in sugar prices has left consumers and businesses grappling with increased costs. As of July 2025, sugar prices in Pakistan have soared to a maximum of Rs. 200 per kilogram in major cities like Karachi, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi, with the national average price reaching Rs. 188.44 per kg.
This marks a significant increase of Rs. 3.52 per kg in just one week, compared to last week’s average of Rs. 184.92 per kg. A year ago, the average price was notably lower at Rs. 145.88 per kg, highlighting a sharp 29% year-on-year rise.
Current Sugar Prices in Pakistan 2025
The sugar market in Pakistan is experiencing unprecedented price fluctuations. According to the Federal Bureau of Statistics, the national average price of sugar now stands at Rs. 188.44 per kg, with some regions reporting prices as high as Rs. 200 per kg. Here’s a breakdown of the latest sugar rates across major cities:
Karachi: Up to Rs. 200 per kg in retail markets, with wholesale prices hovering around Rs. 174 per kg.
Islamabad: Retail prices have reached Rs. 195–200 per kg.
Rawalpindi: Sugar is being sold at Rs. 190–200 per kg.
Peshawar: Retail prices are around Rs. 190 per kg.
Quetta: Prices range from Rs. 186 per kg.
Hyderabad, Bahawalpur, Multan, and Bannu: Approximately Rs. 180 per kg.
Sukkur and Larkana: Around Rs. 175 per kg.
These regional variations are largely due to logistics, distribution costs, and local demand, especially with festivals like Muharram approaching, which typically drive up sugar consumption.
Why Are Sugar Prices Rising?
Several factors contribute to the soaring sugar prices in Pakistan:
Supply and Demand Imbalance: Pakistan’s sugar production for the 2024–2025 financial year is forecasted at 6.8 million tonnes, while consumption is expected to be around 6.7 million tonnes. Despite a slight surplus, supply chain disruptions and hoarding by some traders create artificial shortages, pushing prices higher.
Export Policies: Recent reports indicate that the government permitted the export of approximately 750,000 metric tons of sugar, which has tightened the domestic supply. Critics argue that this decision, coupled with inadequate planning for local demand, has fueled the price surge.
Rising Import Costs: The import price of sugar has increased steadily, reaching $0.65 per kg in 2025, a 44% rise over the past five years. To address the shortage, the government has initiated the import of 500,000 metric tons of sugar, with the Trading Corporation of Pakistan issuing a tender for 300,000 tons. However, high import duties (up to 55%) could further inflate prices, potentially reaching Rs. 245 per kg after taxes.
Inflation and Fuel Costs: General inflation in Pakistan, although down from 23.06% in February 2024 to 1.5% in February 2025, continues to impact commodity prices. Rising fuel costs increase transportation expenses, adding to the final retail price of sugar.
Seasonal Demand: With festivals like Muharram and the upcoming wedding season, demand for sugar spikes, particularly for sweets and beverages like Rooh Afza. This seasonal surge exacerbates price increases.
Impact on Consumers
The rising sugar prices are hitting Pakistani households hard, especially lower-income and fixed-income families. A family using 10 kg of sugar per month now spends Rs. 1,884.40, compared to Rs. 1,458.80 a year ago—an additional Rs. 425.60 monthly or Rs. 5,107.20 annually. This increase strains budgets already stretched by rising costs of other essentials like flour, cooking oil, and utilities.
Despite the price hike, sugar consumption remains relatively stable. As one Karachi housewife noted, “Our family loves desserts, and during Ramadan, we make juices and drinks that require sugar. Our monthly purchase remains roughly the same, between 7 to 10 kg.” This sentiment reflects Pakistan’s cultural affinity for sweets, with many consumers prioritizing sugar despite the cost.
Government and Industry Response
To stabilize prices, the government has taken steps such as:
Imports: Initiating the import of 500,000 metric tons of sugar to address the supply gap.
Subsidized Rates: The Utility Stores Corporation (USC) offers sugar at subsidized rates (around Rs. 138 per kg), though availability is limited and varies by location.
Market Regulation: Authorities in Karachi have conducted raids to curb hoarding and enforce regulated prices (Rs. 130 per kg retail), but these measures have had limited success, as many retailers continue to charge higher rates.
The Pakistan Sugar Mills Association has emphasized the need for balanced policies, warning against excessive exports that could further strain the domestic supply. Meanwhile, wholesalers attribute the price hike to increased demand and logistical challenges.
Tips for Consumers to Cope with High Sugar Prices
While sugar prices are beyond individual control, here are some practical ways to manage costs:
Buy in Bulk: Purchasing sugar in larger quantities (e.g., 50 kg bags, priced between Rs. 7,500–7,850) from wholesalers can be more cost-effective than retail purchases.
Explore Subsidized Outlets: Check Utility Stores for subsidized sugar, but act quickly as stocks are limited.
Reduce Consumption: Experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or jaggery (gurr) for certain recipes to cut down on sugar use.
Shop Smart: Compare prices across local markets and online platforms like Al-Fatah or Zarea, which offer competitive rates.
Plan Ahead: Stock up before festive seasons when prices tend to peak due to high demand.
Future Outlook
The future of sugar prices in Pakistan depends on several factors, including the success of import initiatives, government regulation, and domestic production levels. If imports arrive on schedule and hoarding is curbed, prices may stabilize. However, without addressing underlying issues like supply chain inefficiencies and export policies, prices could remain high or even climb further.
Fahad Munir is a seasoned journalist and editor at Awam PK, specializing in sharing accurate and timely news, job updates, and educational information to the Pakistani audience.
