The Punjab government is offering 5 kilograms of sugar per ID card for one month at a rate of Rs130 per kilogram in the Ramadan relief bazaars set up across the province.

However, Punjab government’s Ramadan relief initiative has come under fire for limiting sugar distribution to just five kilograms per ID card, a move that residents argue is insufficient for larger families during Ramadan.

The system, which tracks purchases through ID card registrations, is aimed at preventing multiple transactions. However, many argue that the five-kilogram limit is too low to meet the needs of an average household during the holy month of Ramadan.

Arif Gujjar, President of the Kiryana Merchant Association, criticised the rising sugar prices, noting that sugar costs Rs170 per kilogram in the open market. He warned that the price may rise further due to cartel-like practices among sugar mills and dealers.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari defended the government’s move, stating that 80 Ramadan bazaars were set up across the province, with 10 in Lahore, ensuring sugar is sold at the subsidised rate of Rs130 per kilogram. She said the goal was to provide relief during the holy month.

For those needing more sugar, model bazaars offer it at Rs140 per kilogram, but with no restrictions on quantity.