All Sugar mills across the country have started the crushing season, according to sources in the Cane Commissioner’s office. With production now underway, sugar supply in the market is expected to improve in the coming days. Officials believe this may lead to a reduction of up to Rs10 per kilogram in retail prices, offering some relief to consumers.
Sources said that district administrations will need to increase their monitoring efforts during the season. They added that the timely start of crushing will help end black-market activity and prevent any artificially created shortage. Better supply from Sugar mills is also expected to stabilize market conditions as production continues.
The development comes at a time when the government is preparing major reforms for the sugar sector. Earlier this week, it was reported that the federal government has decided to end its 77-year control over sugar prices by deregulating the industry. A formal summary for deregulation has been drafted and is likely to be presented to the Prime Minister soon.
According to sources, the Prime Minister will be briefed on the proposal by Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain. The plan outlines several major changes aimed at shifting the sector to an open-market system.
One significant proposal is the removal of the ban on setting up new Sugar mills. Under the new policy, private investors will be free to establish new units without restrictions. The government also plans to withdraw its authority over the import and export of sugar.
In addition, the current mechanism for fixing sugar prices will be abolished. Once deregulation is approved, prices will be determined entirely by supply and demand instead of official controls. Officials believe this move will transform the sugar sector into a fully market-driven industry.
The combination of improved crushing activity and upcoming policy changes is expected to reshape the sector, with both producers and consumers closely watching the market in the coming weeks.
In other news read more about: Punjab Govt Cracks Down on Sugar Mills Delaying Crushing
