**DPM Dar ‘Caps’ Sugar Prices at Rs164/kg**
**(Image of Ishaq Dar, as provided in the original article)**
**ISLAMABAD:** In a live broadcast on national TV, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar declared that the sale of sugar at inflated prices of Rs178-180 per kg is “intolerable” and announced a price cap. The retail price of sugar will now be fixed at Rs164 per kg, while the ex-mill price will be capped at Rs159 per kg.
Dar, after chairing a meeting to review sugar prices, announced the formation of a sub-committee to address the ongoing issue. This committee, headed by Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, is tasked with submitting recommendations within one month (before April 19th).
The decision comes after several meetings of a committee formed at the direction of the Prime Minister to investigate the recent surge in sugar prices during the holy month of Ramadan.
“The sale of sugar at Rs178-180 per kg was not tolerable at any cost; neither to the prime minister nor to the government,” Dar emphasized.
He mentioned that the sugar mills association had presented their justifications, and a detailed discussion was held on the matter. The meeting included key figures such as Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, PM’s Adviser Haroon Akhtar, representatives of the sugar mills association, and senior officials.
Dar reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving the issue and ensuring the availability of sugar at a reasonable price for the common person. He expressed hope that the two-tiered pricing system, if implemented effectively, could lead to even lower prices for consumers. He appreciated the sugar mills association provision of sugar at the subsidized rate of Rs 130 per kg at all 274 Sasta bazaars.
Finally, Dar assured the public that there is no shortage of sugar in the country, ruling out any need for imports. He also warned that any artificial shortage of sugar would be dealt with severely.