Several areas are currently experiencing a scarcity of sugar, prompting local retailers to enforce rationing protocols. This development has drawn criticism from the Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC), which accuses specific businesses of hoarding the essential commodity.
Upon conducting spot-checks in various shops, it was observed that many shelves were empty, with some outlets rationing sugar and others selling it at inflated prices. In Blantyre, for example, numerous shops had depleted their sugar stocks.
In some instances, a kilogram of sugar was being sold for K2,500. Buyers expressed relief upon finding the commodity, highlighting the challenges faced in locating it. A shopper at Chipiku Stores in Blantyre, Amosi Bvutula, shared, “I have been looking for the commodity, but it is not available in most shops. I am finally happy to have bought these three packets, which will take me some weeks.”
Similar scenarios unfolded in Mzuzu City, where shops restricted the number of sugar packets per person, indicating a notable disruption in its availability. In Lilongwe, price hikes were observed, with some shops selling sugar for as much as K2,700.
The CFTC, in response to the situation, has criticized certain businesses for hoarding sugar. In a statement by Executive Director Lloyds Vincent Nkhoma, the commission cited malpractices such as hoarding, exorbitant pricing, tying sugar purchases to other products, and issuing misleading receipts.
The CFTC underscores that these actions violate the Competition and Fair Trading Act (CFTA). Suppliers engaging in such practices will face consequences according to the CFTA. The commission encourages the public to report any potential violations, emphasizing the need for collective vigilance.
