Sugar mill owners have once again sought government approval to export large quantities of sugar, arguing that the domestic market currently holds excess stock.

According to official sources, the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association has submitted production and inventory data to authorities, claiming that total sugar output has reached around 7.8 million tons this season. The industry body says nearly 1 million tons are surplus and should be cleared for export.

Government departments are now independently verifying these claims using data from mills and the cane commissioner’s office. Officials suspect that the figures may also include approximately 300,000 tons of imported sugar, which could distort the actual availability in the local market.

A final decision will be taken by a committee led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar after a detailed review of real stock levels and domestic demand requirements.

Authorities are being cautious this time due to past experience. In previous years, sugar exports were approved after similar claims of surplus, but the move later contributed to a domestic shortage and a sharp rise in prices across Pakistan.

That situation eventually forced the government to import sugar to stabilize supply and control retail prices. Meanwhile, a broader policy proposal is already under consideration to deregulate the sugar sector, which could give mills more autonomy in deciding future exports.