Sugar Smuggling Continues to Afghanistan Via Chagai, Leaving Residents To Suffer from Soaring Prices

Chagai, Balochistan: The rampant smuggling of sugar into Afghanistan via Chagai district has not only led to a shortage of the essential commodity but has also caused a significant spike in prices, leaving the entire district grappling with the consequences.

Local residents are forced to bear the burden of exorbitant sugar prices, with rates reaching as high as Rs. 200 per kilogram in the open market in Dalbandin, the district headquarter

of Chagai. In stark contrast, the provincial capital of Balochistan, Quetta, currently witnesses sugar prices at Rs. 120 per kilogram. The stark difference in prices between the two regions has raised concerns among the local population, who are struggling to cope with the financial strain caused by the inflated cost of sugar.

Speaking to The Chagai Post, a shopkeeper expressed his frustration, highlighting that sugar consignments destined for Chagai were not being allowed entry from Quetta, with restrictions in place until Dalbandin. Simultaneously, the illicit smuggling of sugar to Afghanistan continues unabated, exacerbating the shortage and driving prices even higher.

Traders in Dalbandin, a town in Chagai district, have lodged numerous complaints regarding the sugar shortage during several meetings with Chagai's Deputy Commissioner and Dalbandin's Assistant Commissioner. However, despite these engagements, no substantial progress has been made to address the issue and alleviate the suffering of the local population.

Transporters have also raised concerns, noting that while passenger buses are subjected to rigorous searches at every checkpoint, sugar smuggling continues unchecked through trawlers. This disparity in enforcement has allowed the illicit trade to flourish, further aggravating the situation and impeding efforts to curb the smuggling of sugar.

The continuous smuggling of sugar and the subsequent skyrocketing prices have severely impacted the people of Dalbandin, who are left to bear the brunt of this dire situation. The absence of effective measures to curb smuggling activities and ensure an adequate supply of sugar has resulted in widespread economic hardship and distress within the community.