The district administrations have sprung into action to ensure availability of sugar at controlled price on the directives of Punjab Chief Secretary Jawwad Rafique Malik.

According to a handout, the chief secretary directed the district commissioners to ensure availability of sugar at Rs70 per kg. The process of allocating 3,470 shops to sell sugar at fixed price in 36 districts on the basis of population ratio.

Malik said negligence on part of officials is intolerable and no one will be allowed to fleece people in the name of sugar shortage. He also issued directives to the owners of sugar mills to continue supply, the handout added.

"Instructions have been issued to all the Deputy Commissioners to identify the shops and ensuring the availability of sugar at reasonable price,” he added.

For uninterrupted supply of sugar, the food department will allot all the sugar mills to the concerned districts. The sale of sugar at any rate other than the approved price in any district will not be tolerated.