Pakistan imposes 'complete ban' on sugar export amid rising food scarcity
Islamabad (Pakistan), May 10: To meet soaring local demand and keep sugar prices under control, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a "complete ban" on sugar export on Monday, amidst rising food scarcity in various parts of Pakistan.
According to the Dawn newspaper, Sharif issued a warning to sugar hoarders, saying that those found smuggling or hoarding sugar will face serious action. Furthermore, Pakistani officials who fail to carry out their responsibilities concerning the sugar export ban will face severe consequences. Shehbaz Sharif has also urged that relevant ministries keep him updated on the orders he has issued regarding the sugar export ban.
Shehbaz Sharif's move comes after Pakistani consumers complained about increased sugar and wheat flour shortages at utility stores across the country following the government's announcement to lower the prices of several food goods during Ramazan, according to the Dawn newspaper.
According to reports, Punjab's utility stores have run out of sugar, resulting in a severe sugar shortage across the country. Furthermore, customers said that store managers would not sell oil or sugar unless they purchased other items.
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However, the staff of the Utility Stores Corporation denied the allegations of the consumers.
Meanwhile, flour from Punjab has stopped coming to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other areas in Pakistan, making dealers fear that they could run out of stocks soon.
Also, Pakistan's Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh provinces are experiencing acute food shortages, according to a report released by the Global Report on Food Crises recently.
Pakistan is also estimated to be in the top 10 list of the world's countries facing water scarcity.
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-PTC News
