Karachi, March 14, 2025 – Taxpayers in Pakistan continue to struggle with surging sugar prices, as they are now forced to buy the commodity at an exorbitant Rs 172 per kilogram.
Meanwhile, the government is offering subsidized sugar at Rs 130 per kilogram, but only to a specific class of citizens, leaving the majority of taxpayers with no choice but to pay higher rates.
Despite repeated appeals, the government has failed to provide relief to hardworking taxpayers who bear the brunt of rising inflation. Over the past few months, sugar prices in Pakistan have steadily increased, yet authorities have remained passive observers instead of taking decisive steps to regulate the market.
With the onset of Ramadan, the government announced a subsidy package worth Rs 20 billion to provide lower-income groups with discounted sugar. However, this subsidy is funded by taxpayers, many of whom are not benefiting from it and are still purchasing sugar at inflated prices.
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), sugar prices have surged by 18% year-on-year, climbing from Rs 145 per kilogram in March 2024 to Rs 172 per kilogram by the week ending March 13, 2025. This price hike has placed a significant financial burden on taxpayers, who not only contribute to the economy but also face steep costs for basic necessities.
The irony is evident—taxpayers’ money is being used to subsidize sugar for some, while the same taxpayers are compelled to buy sugar at soaring prices. This discrepancy highlights the government’s failure to control inflation and ensure fair market pricing.
Although official data suggests a decline in overall inflation, the reality is that essential commodities remain on an upward trajectory. During Ramadan, the prices of several staple goods have surged. Notably, sugar prices increased by 18.55%, alongside significant hikes in other essential items, including Ladies Sandals (75.09%), Pulse Moong (26.84%), Powdered Milk (25.93%), Beef (21.35%), and Chicken (18.72%).
Taxpayers continue to voice their concerns over the escalating cost of living, particularly the unfair burden of rising sugar prices. Many are calling for immediate government intervention to ensure fair pricing mechanisms and effective market regulation. Without prompt action, taxpayers will remain at the mercy of unchecked inflation and market volatility.