LAHORE, Dec 6: Sugar prices in open market on Tuesday shot up to Rs2,880 per 100 kilograms — an increase of Rs160 in the last two days. As the price skyrocketed, the dealers and millers are locked in a blame game: accusing each other of exploiting shortage in the market.

The millers said cane supplies have been too thin to ease the market. Precisely for this reason, most of the mills were still not in full operation.

They said the dealers were exploiting the situation and charging extra as ex-mill price had not increased as much.

Farmers on the other hand have accused the millers of delaying cane crushing in order to press them into selling their crop at low price.

The accusation is denied by the millers vehemently.

Whatever the reason, the consumer continues to be at the receiving end.

“During the last few weeks, the price has gone from Rs2,400 per 100 kg to Rs2,880,” says a city dweller.—Staff Reporter