To cope with the prevailing sugar crisis, the federal government has decided to import 50,000 tons sugar, which would reach the country within two or three days. Tender for the import of 75,000 tons more sugar has also been finalised.
Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, Federal Minister for Industry and Production, Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo, said that 0.216 million tons sugar is available with the Trading Corporation Pakistan (TCP). The Prime Minister has given approval of Rs 2.1 billion subsidy for the Utility Stores Corporation; out of which approximately Rs 1 billion had been allocated to provide sugar to the consumers at subsidised rate of Rs 38 per kg through Utility Stores (USC) outlets during Ramazan.
Wattoo said that 0.441 million tons sugar would be provided to the USC, which would be available only at the USC stores and in ''Sunday Bazaars'' at the rate of Rs 38 per kg.
"The USC stores and ''Sunday Bazaars'' would continue to supply sugar to consumers at the rate of Rs 38 per kg even after Ramaza till arrival of fresh stocks of sugar. "For this purpose 0.3 million tons raw sugar will also be imported, in three phases" he added.
He said that Punjab government''s crackdown against hoarders and profiteers was a admirable act, and availability of TCP sugar stocks in the open market would help bring sugar prices to reasonable level because the private sector has to compete with government sugar prices.
The Minister said that sugar millers were exploiting the farmers while making payment for sugarcane. "The process of negotiation with the sugar mills owners is going on and they have assured the government to make timely payment to the sugarcane growers", he added.