Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga, has directed wholesalers and retailers of Sugar across the country not to sell the commodity above K58.
Speaking at a press briefing after having a consultative meeting with stakeholders in the sugar industry in Lusaka today, Mr. Mulenga said Zambians should not be exploited to higher prices of commodities such as Sugar especially with the challenges the country is currently facing due to climate change.
“The objective of the meeting was to discuss and resolve the looming shortage of sugar on the domestic market as well as the escalating prices of the commodity,” said Mr. Mulenga.
He said the deliberate increase in sugar prices by some wholesalers and retailers from K57 to K90 is unacceptable, saying government will not allow its citizens to be exploited with higher prices especially on basic commodities.
Mr. Mulenga said his Ministry is committed to both consumer protection and supporting the growth of local industries to ensure it benefits the Zambian people positively.
He said government has agreed with both the Manufacturers and wholesalers of the commodity that the price will remain the same adding that it has further implored the wholesalers to engage the manufacturers directly so that they can place the right prices on the market.
Stakeholders engaged include Zambia Sugar Company PLC, Mazabuka Sugar, Shoprite and Cheers among others.
By Margaret Mwanza
