Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Times News
Published on 2024-03-29 06:54:09
The shortage of sugar has become a pressing issue in the cities of Blantyre and Lilongwe, leading to long queues at retail shops as consumers scramble to secure this essential commodity. In particular, at locations like Ginnery Corner in Blantyre, queues have been forming since Tuesday as consumers eagerly wait to purchase sugar priced between K2,200 and K2,500.
However, investigations have uncovered a concerning trend where some retailers are deliberately controlling the availability of sugar on shelves. There is a syndicate of traders who are exploiting vulnerable individuals, such as street kids and women, by sending them on sugar-buying errands and paying them between K100 and K200 per packet. These individuals, like a nine-year-old boy we spoke to, are then reselling the sugar at inflated prices in other townships.
The situation is not much different in Lilongwe, where long queues and restrictions on the quantity of sugar one can purchase are also observed. To circumvent these limitations, some buyers have resorted to tactics like bringing in additional people to buy sugar on their behalf. Others have found ways to add sugar to the shopping lists of customers who do not intend to purchase the commodity, taking advantage of shops that sell sugar at recommended prices as opposed to exorbitant rates.
Despite the government’s efforts to intervene by allowing traders to import sugar and revoking licenses of wholesalers selling sugar at inflated prices, the impact of these interventions is yet to be felt on the ground. In a joint statement by Secretary for Trade Christina Zakeyo, Illovo Sugar Managing Director Lekani Katandula, and Salima Sugar Executive Chairperson Peter Kosamu, it was announced that import licenses for sugar will continue to be issued until stability is restored in the local market. Zakeyo also revealed plans to introduce regulations under the Business Licensing Act to monitor sugar distribution and protect consumers from unscrupulous practices.
Meanwhile, the two local sugar producers have pledged to increase sugar production by the end of April to alleviate the shortage. These efforts are crucial in addressing the current sugar scarcity and ensuring that consumers have access to this basic commodity without facing exploitation or price gouging. It is imperative for all stakeholders, including traders, retailers, and the government, to work together to find sustainable solutions and prevent similar shortages in the future.
Read the original article on The Times
