About 2 weeks ago, Biznews posted that Sugar was sold at K1159 at Shoprite, a price that is about K300 higher than the recommended maximum. Recently, minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism Minister, Salim Bagus, has also addressed high sugar prices and an influx of smuggled sugar into the country.

“I asked why local sugar is expensive and they have told me that it is because of the high cost of production coupled with influx of illegal sugar.” he said, during Illovo Sugar’s Nchalo Estate and PressCane Limited in Chikwawa district.

The sugar prices and illegal imports have been burdensome to the sugar giant, as Malawi Revenue Authority has also taken action against the smuggling. Not long ago, MRA engaged in a campaign against sugar smuggling, for key business and trading centres along the border with Mozambique and Zambia.

Speaking at Edingeni trading centre in Mzimba, MRA Media Specialist, Wadza Otomani informed the huge crowd that MRA had observed that there were some few unscrupulous individuals who were illegally importing sugar into the country.