Sugar millers across Punjab and Sindh have warned of possible sugar shortages and price hikes after the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) Track and Trace (T&T) portal went offline repeatedly. The outages have disrupted dispatches from mills, creating uncertainty in the market and raising concerns among traders and consumers. The Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) said the shutdowns have continued for several days, making it difficult for mills to release sugar to wholesalers and retailers in time.
In a letter addressed to Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, the PSMA expressed serious concerns over the repeated technical failures of the T&T portal. The association explained that the problem has persisted since September, particularly in southern Punjab and interior Sindh, where mill operations have been halted several times. These disruptions, they warned, could worsen if the system is not restored promptly and efficiently.
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A PSMA spokesperson stated that mills have been unable to lift sugar from warehouses or dispatch it to markets, leading to supply delays. As a result, domestic sugar prices have started showing upward pressure, with the risk of further increases if the issue remains unresolved. The spokesperson added that the industry supports transparency measures but stressed that the government must ensure the digital system functions smoothly to avoid economic losses.
Millers also reported that FBR officials stationed at factory sites have blocked dispatches by denying clearance through the offline portal. This has resulted in large stockpiles of unsold sugar at mill gates and delayed market deliveries. The PSMA noted that such restrictions are not only harming businesses but also disturbing the balance between supply and demand, which may directly impact consumers.
Furthermore, the association urged the government to take immediate steps to stabilize the situation by restoring the portal and introducing backup mechanisms to prevent future breakdowns. They emphasized that consistent digital failures damage both government credibility and industry confidence. The PSMA reiterated its commitment to cooperation but insisted that operational continuity is essential to maintain market stability and prevent another wave of sugar price inflation.