PM gives TCP 4 days to meet sugar target

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Thursday took strict notice of the failure of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan in meeting the sugar import target.

The TCP was required to import 400,000 tonnes of sugar by June 30, but it only managed to import 250,000 tonnes.

The prime minister gave the TCP four days to balance the sugar demand and supply. A six-member ministerial committee has also been formed to investigate TCP's failure, which can potentially trigger a sugar crisis during Ramadan.

The Sugar Mills Association said the current sugar stocks will only last for two months more. However, the Ministry of Industries and Agriculture diasgreed, saying four months worth of sugar stocks are available.