WEBDESK: The price of sugar in the country has increased once again, marking the eighth consecutive week of rising costs.
Over the past week, sugar prices have gone up by Rs4.14 per kilogram, bringing the average price to Rs145.50 per kilogram.
According to the latest report from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), inflation saw a slight decrease of 0.77 per cent this week, while the annual inflation rate was recorded at 0.52 per cent. Despite this, the rising cost of essential commodities continues to be a concern for the public.
Along with sugar, prices of other food items such as garlic, bananas, basmati rice, and lentils have also increased. Garlic became Rs4.14 more expensive per kilogram, while the price of a dozen bananas rose by Rs3.37. Meanwhile, beef, wood, and tea prices have also seen an upward trend.
On the other hand, some commodities have become cheaper. Tomatoes saw a significant decrease of Rs. 40.83 per kilogram, while eggs became Rs29.56 per dozen cheaper. The prices of onions, potatoes, and other staple items such as gram lentils, chicken, and flour have also declined.
Sources reveal that the increase in sugar prices started at the end of November, following the federal cabinet’s approval to export an additional 500,000 metric tons of sugar in October. Experts believe that the rising costs are mainly due to sugar shortages in the market and the ongoing export of the commodity, which has affected local supply.
Analysts suggest that the government needs to take immediate steps to control sugar prices and provide relief to the public. The continuous rise in prices is becoming a growing concern, and further measures are required to stabilize the market.
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