By Burnett Munthali
Minister of Trade and Industry, Vitumbiko Mumba, has uncovered hoarded sugar at Chipiku Plus located in the Game Complex in Lilongwe.
The management of the shop had been claiming that they were out of sugar, leaving their shelves empty, while in reality, stock was being withheld.
Following the discovery, the Minister has ordered that all sugar be placed on the shelves for sale, enforcing a limit of two packets per customer.
This revelation comes at a time when Malawi has been experiencing persistent sugar shortages, leading to long queues and frustration among consumers.
Many shoppers have had to move from one retail outlet to another in search of the essential commodity, only to be met with empty shelves.
The situation has fueled speculation that some traders are deliberately hoarding sugar to create artificial scarcity and drive up prices.
By taking swift action, Minister Mumba has demonstrated the government’s commitment to protecting consumers from unfair trade practices.
His intervention sends a strong message that hoarding and price manipulation will not be tolerated under his leadership.
Consumers who were present at the store expressed relief and gratitude, praising the Minister for taking decisive action.
Some called for similar crackdowns in other retail stores to ensure that sugar is made available to all Malawians at fair prices.
The Minister has vowed to continue monitoring supermarkets and wholesalers to ensure compliance with fair trade regulations.
He has also urged members of the public to report any cases of suspected hoarding so that authorities can take appropriate action.
With sugar being a staple product in many Malawian households, ensuring its availability remains a top priority for the government.
As Minister Mumba settles into his new role, his proactive approach signals a no-nonsense stance on market irregularities.
His immediate response to the sugar crisis has set a precedent for how his administration will handle trade and industry challenges.
Malawians will now be watching closely to see what further measures he will implement to stabilize the supply of essential goods.
