KARACHI (March 02 2004): The volume of the export of molasses has declined by 50 percent due to its increased consumption in the local market, and fall in the prices in the international markets.

About 1.5 million tonnes of molasses are exported every year. This year hardly one million tonnes will be exported.

The prices in the international market have come down to about 30 dollars per tonne, and about 18 distilleries have started working in Pakistan, and they are consuming more molasses for the manufacture of industrial alcohol.

The sugar mills are selling the molasses to local distilleries and, therefore, the commodity meant for export is not being encouraged.

According to informed sources more distilleries are under implementation and there will be a complete halt to the export of this commodity after about a couple of years. At present, seven distilleries are operating in Sindh, and the remaining are operating in Punjab and NWFP.

Courtesy Business Recorder