PIA Issues Tender for Massive Sugar Procurement

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced a tender for the procurement of 32,000 kg of sugar, according to sources cited by ARY News. The large quantity is intended for use in serving the passengers of the national airline. Interested companies have been instructed to submit a sample of five kilograms along with their tender offers.

This move highlights PIA’s ongoing efforts to maintain high-quality services for its passengers, despite the financial challenges faced by the airline. The airline regularly procures essential food items to serve on its domestic and international flights, with sugar being one of the most widely used ingredients for beverages and meals served on board.

Sugar Imports into Pakistan Decrease Significantly in July 2024

In a related development, Pakistan’s sugar imports witnessed a sharp decline of 44.90 percent in July 2024 compared to the same period in the previous year. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, only 280 metric tons of sugar, costing $0.297 million, were imported in the first month of the current financial year. This is significantly lower than the 574 metric tons worth $0.539 million that was imported in July of the previous year.The reduction in sugar imports can be attributed to a range of factors, including domestic production and the government’s emphasis on reducing reliance on imports.

Edible Oil Imports Experience Steep Drop

In addition to sugar, Pakistan also recorded a decline in the imports of edible oils. Soybean oil imports dropped by an astounding 93.20 percent, while palm oil imports saw a decline of 13.99 percent during the same period. This sharp reduction in edible oil imports could be indicative of changing domestic consumption patterns or economic pressures limiting import capacities. The reduction in both sugar and oil imports signals a shift in Pakistan’s import strategy.