Inter-provincial sugar transport to require permit

Amid an increase in the price of sugar, the Punjab government has formulated a mechanism to stop smuggling of the commodity.

Under the policy, a permit from the district administration concerned will be mandatory for inter-provincial transportation of sugar.

The personnel deployed at checkpoints on the provincial borders will be instructed to prevent the smuggling of sugar.

According to officials, a crackdown has been launched against hoarders and 50,000 sacks of sugar seized in the past three days.

The move comes after the price of sugar in the province increased by Rs15 per kg within a week and Rs35 in the past month.

The commodity is being sold at Rs120 to Rs125 per kg in the provincial capital, while the price in other areas of the province has exceeded Rs130.

According to market sources, the main reason for the increase in the price is a hike increase demand during Ramazan and smuggling to Afghanistan.

The Punjab government in collaboration with other provinces and local sugar mills is devising a mechanism to stop the smuggling.

Punjab Food Secretary Muhammad Zaman Wattoo said while talking to The Express Tribune that a crackdown had been launched against hoarders. So far, more than 50,000 sacks of sugar have been seized.

He said there had been reports of hoarding in various places in the province and teams had been formed to take action on the complaints.

He said seven cases had been registered against speculators and hoarders.

The provincial secretary said the Punjab government was taking all possible measures to provide essential commodities to the people at affordable prices.

He said most of the sugar seized from hoarders during the past three days by the Punjab Food Department had been found hidden sacks of flour in various mills.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 11^th, 2023.