Even though the government and sugar mill owners had reached an agreement, sugar prices in Lahore have gone up, now selling at Rs. 190 per kilogram, which is much higher than the official rate of Rs. 165 per kg.

Shopkeepers say that the wholesale price of a 50kg sugar sack has risen to Rs. 9,100. Some retailers also complain that these sacks are slightly underweight by 100 to 200 grams.

Because of the high buying cost and the fixed selling price, many shopkeepers have stopped selling sugar, saying they can’t afford to sell it at a loss.

Customers confirm that sugar is commonly being sold at Rs. 190 per kg in open markets and are calling on the government to improve its price checks and enforcement to make sure rules are being followed.