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LAHORE, Nov 04 (APP):Secretary Price Control and Commodities Management Department Dr. Kiran Khurshid said that Punjab has more than 22,000 metric tons of sugar in stock with ample supplies available in the market. She was chairing a meeting to review the prices of sugar and other essential commodities, here on Tuesday.
Dr Kiran Khurshid said that certain profiteers were attempting to create an artificial sense of shortage to sell sugar at higher rates. She added that strict action is being taken against such elements, while imported sugar is also being supplied in the market to ensure price stability.
She informed that sugar mills are set to begin crushing sugarcane in the coming days, which is expected to further bring down sugar prices. The secretary added that the department is closely monitoring sugar prices and supplies across Punjab, where the commodity is currently being sold between Rs179 and Rs200 per kilogram.
Giving details of the ongoing crackdown, Dr. Kiran Khurshid said that since July, 494 cases have been registered against sugar hoarders and profiteers, 3,673 individuals have been arrested, and fines amounting to Rs50.85 million have been recovered.
She directed price control magistrates to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities at government-fixed rates and to maintain zero tolerance against hoarders and profiteers.