By Chisomo Phiri
The country’s largest sugar manufacturer Illovo sugar Malawi says it will maintain the current sugar prices in the country.
Speaking on Friday during a public inquiry into sugar production and pricing by Parliamentary Committee on Industry,Trade and Tourism, Illovo Sugar Malawi Managing Director Lekani Katandula said the price of sugar in Malawi is lower compared to prices in neighboring countries hence no need to reduce the current price.
Katandula said it is even necessary to increase the prices to avoid cases of exporting sugar to other countries.
“Here in Malawi sugar is very cheap as compared to other countries like Zambia, Mozambique and Tanzania. I do not see any reason to reduce the current price as demanded,” said Katandula.
On his part, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Trade Christina Zakeyu insisted that prices of sugar in the region are lower than prices offered by Illovo Sugar company.
Zakeyu said the ministry is still negotiating with Illovo Sugar and other stakeholders on the issue.
He disclosed that currently, the ministry of trade is issuing sugar import licences to other traders as a way of introducing competition in the industry and bring prices down.
In his brief comment, Chair for Parliamentary Committee on industry, trade and tourism Paul Nkhoma said the committee will see the way forward on the issue as they have heard from the concerned parties.
The inquiry came following a general outcry over high prices of sugar with people asking government to intervene and help bring down sugar prices.
However,the Parliamentary Committee on Industry, Trade and Tourism summoned officials from Illovo Sugar, Ministry of Trade and the Malawi Revenue Authority(MERA).
