Sugar prices soar in Peshawar despite govt promises

PESHAWAR: Despite the government guarantees of price restrictions and subsidized rates for vital goods, sugar prices in Peshawar keep soaring throughout the month of Ramadan.

According to retailers throughout the city, sugar is available at high costs running from Rs.165 to Rs.170 per kilogram, whereas wholesale market rates have hit Rs.160 per kilogram notwithstanding the fixed price list issued by the government.

Earlier, the provincial government had stated intentions to set up special stalls selling sugar at subsidized prices of Rupees 130 per kg during Ramadan.

These stalls, however, have not shown up to leave consumers to shoulder the burden of these high market prices. The general inflation of basic food, usually experienced by Pakistani consumers throughout Ramadan, has been partly caused by the increasing price of sugar.

The scenario in Peshawar does not stand alone, other major Pakistani cities are also experiencing comparable cost rises, pointing to a national pattern. This raises questions about the government’s capacity to keep prices in check and offer solace to people during the holy month.