LAHORE: Concerns have emerged in Punjab over a potential rise in sugar prices after the provincial government introduced a sugar cess.
The Punjab government has imposed Rs 5 sugar cess on every 40kg bag of sugar, with an official notification already issued.
According to reports, the cess has been implemented under the Punjab Finance Act 1964, with half the amount (Rs2.5) to be paid by sugar mills and the other half by sugarcane farmers.
Officials state that the revenue generated will be used exclusively for the construction and improvement of roads connected to sugar mills.
Citizens have expressed alarm over the new tax, arguing that rampant inflation is already crippling the public, and additional levies on everyday essentials will only worsen their hardships.
Shopkeepers are equally displeased, warning that the financial burden of the cess will ultimately be passed on to consumers, leading to higher retail prices.
Concerns have emerged in Punjab over a potential rise in sugar prices after the provincial government introduced a sugar cess.
The Punjab government has imposed a Rs5 sugar cess on every 40kg bag of sugar, with an official notification already issued.
According to reports, the cess has been implemented under the Punjab Finance Act 1964, with half the amount (Rs2.5) to be paid by sugar mills and the other half by sugarcane farmers.
Officials state that the revenue generated will be used exclusively for the construction and improvement of roads connected to sugar mills.
Citizens have expressed alarm over the new tax, arguing that rampant inflation is already crippling the public, and additional levies on everyday essentials will only worsen their hardships.
Shopkeepers are equally displeased, warning that the financial burden of the cess will ultimately be passed on to consumers, leading to higher retail prices.
