Islamabad: Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has dispelled the impression regarding the shortage of sugar and said sufficient stock of sugar is available in the country. Addressing a news conference in Islamabad on Thursday, he stated that the government will strictly enforce the newly fixed price of sugar which is within the range of the general public.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister clarified that the decision to import sugar will not affect sugarcane growers. He explained that this year, only 5.8 million metric tons of sugar were produced, falling short of the estimated 7 million metric tons. Despite this, 1.3 million metric tons of sugar were exported last year due to a surplus in the stock.

Rana Tanveer Hussain further mentioned that the government is taking strict action against hoarders who are attempting to create an artificial shortage of the commodity in the country.