Islamabad: Dr. Shahid Rasheed Butt, a business leader and former President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), stated on Monday that the ongoing profiteering by the powerful sugar mafia during Ramadan has troubled the public. During Ramadan, the rising prices of essential commodities and sugar across the country have increased the problems of the commoner. In contrast, he said the main reason for the increase in sugar prices is indiscriminate exports. Shahid Rasheed Butt said in a statement issued here today that experts had issued warnings of price hikes in case of massive quantities of sugar export. Still, the authorities did not listen to them, so sugar has reached Rs 180 per kg and will soon reach Rs 200 per kg. The business leader said that the increase in the price of sugar by Rs 50 per kg in three months is unjustified and condemnable. He said that retailers justify the increase in wholesale prices, while wholesalers blame sugar mills. Staff reporter
