Tonga sugar shortage goes sour [1]
Tuesday, May 3, 2016 - 18:49. Updated on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 - 18:53.
By Linny Folau.
Sour consumers are complaining that sugar is selling in Tonga for up to $50 per kilo - far exceeding the regulated price of $4 per kilo, during an ongoing sugar shortage that has continued for around two weeks now.
The last sugar shipment arrived nearly a month ago, confirmed Tonga Customs.
No sugar can be found on the shelves of most retail shops and supermarkets in the capital.
Today, a complaint was lodged with the Consumer Affairs Division at the Ministry of Commerce and Labour in Nuku'alofa. A consumer complained that a shop was selling small packets of about 20 grams of white sugar for $1 pa’anga each.
"The legal selling price of white sugar for one kilo is $4 pa’anga," said a spokesperson from the division.
"We want to remind businesses that sugar is on the regulated list under the Competent Authority and despite the shortage, the prices of the regulated goods should not be changed and [any change] is a breach of Section 19 of the Price and Wage Control Act. Consumers at the same time are encouraged to report to Consumer Affairs if prices are sold at more than the maximum prices and to refrain from buying from these shops/businesses."
The division is investigating this complaint and also confirmed there are around six importers of sugar to Tonga.
Supply problems
Meanwhile, one of the local importers said the reason for their stock running out was due to the bulk and price of their order with their supplier in South America.
"The supplier wanted us to pay for around 10-15 containers in one go but that’s too much for a small Tongan business like ours. We are still trying to negotiate to pay for just three containers to come like every three months," said a staff member who did not want to be named.
In the meantime, they have ordered some white and brown sugar from New Zealand.
"It should come on the shipment this weekend and, hopefully, be on our shelf before the end of next week," she said.