The Punjab government’s Ramadan relief initiative, which limits sugar distribution to 5 kilograms per ID card at a subsidized rate of Rs130 per kilogram, has ignited controversy across the province. While the measure aims to provide affordable sugar through 80 Ramadan relief bazaars, including 10 in Lahore, many residents and critics argue that the cap is inadequate for larger families during the holy month.
The system, implemented in specially established relief bazaars, uses ID card registration to track purchases and prevent hoarding or multiple transactions. However, the 5-kilogram limit has drawn sharp criticism from households who say it fails to meet their needs during Ramadan, a time when sugar consumption typically rises due to festive cooking and traditions.
Arif Gujjar, President of the Kiryana Merchant Association, slammed the initiative, pointing to the stark contrast between the subsidized rate and the open market, where sugar is priced at Rs170 per kilogram. “The 5-kilogram limit is unrealistic for most families,” Gujjar said. “On top of that, sugar prices are already inflated due to cartel-like practices among sugar mills and dealers. We could see prices climb even higher if this continues.” He urged the government to reconsider the cap and address the broader issue of rising costs.
Defending the policy, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari emphasized that the initiative was designed to provide relief to as many people as possible. “We’ve set up 80 Ramadan bazaars across Punjab, including 10 in Lahore, to ensure sugar is available at Rs130 per kilogram—a significant discount compared to the open market,” she said. “This is about equitable distribution and supporting families during Ramadan.”
For those requiring more than the allotted 5 kilograms, the government has pointed to model bazaars, where sugar is available at Rs140 per kilogram with no quantity restrictions. While this offers an alternative, critics argue that the slightly higher price and additional effort to access these bazaars undermine the relief effort for low-income families.
The debate over the sugar limit highlights broader concerns about inflation and access to essentials during Ramadan. As the holy month progresses, the Punjab government faces mounting pressure to balance its relief efforts with the practical needs of its residents. Whether the 5-kilogram cap will be adjusted remains uncertain, but for now, it remains a contentious centerpiece of the province’s Ramadan strategy.
