The Pakistan Biscuit & Confectionery Manufacturers Association (PB & CMA) has decided to shut down production if no action is taken by the government to immediately bring down the price of sugar in the market.

The decision was taken at an emergency meeting to discuss the “unchecked escalation in prices of sugar which has made the industry unworkable.” Prices have increased five-fold just in the last few weeks.

“Instead of suffering unbearable losses it is better to shut down the industry and sit at home,” says Maqsood Ismail, chairman of the Association. He described the situation as “alarming” which required urgent measures by the government, especially by the Food & Agriculture Ministry.