ISLAMABAD, July 28: The government has notified exemption of 25 per cent duty on import of sugar.

The SRO 787 of 2008 was issued here on Monday to notify the decision by amending the earlier SRO 567 of 2006.

According to the decision, the government has exempted duty on import of white crystalline cane sugar and white crystalline beet sugar.

The government had already imposed a ban on export of sugar. However, the mill-owners have already managed to export sugar worth $70 million.

The government also directed the Trade Corporation of Pakistan to buy sugar from the mills in a bid to build reserves of 750,000 tons. It was also a demand from the mills which wanted to relinquish the stock for releasing funds to farmers.

The sugar price has started an upward trend at retail level ranging from Rs31 to Rs36 per kg across the country.