LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The ministry of Trade has sealed some sugar selling outlets in Lilongwe and will
continue to seal such outlets across the country if found to be overcharging sugar.
Ministry of Trade publicist Patrick Botha told The Maravi Post on Friday, March 8, 2025 that the the sealed shops include Romana Trading and Chou Chou shops in Area 2 (Bwalo Lanjovu) and Shalom Shop in Area 25 (Nsungwi) because were selling sugar at exorbitant prices .
He adds that Simama General Dealers in Area 25 (Nsungwi) has also been closed for holding sugar.
He said the sugar recommended price is MK2,200 per kilogram on retail while the whole bale is supposed to be sold at MK37,500.
“The joint exercise confirmed that some wholesalers are selling a 20 x1kg packet bale of Illovo Sugar at MK69,000.00 which is way far much higher than the manufacturer’s recommended price of MK37,500.00,” said Botha.
He said anyone selling sugar beyond the said price is breaching the Competition and Fair-Trading Act and the Business Licensing Act, 2012.
He further said Illovo Sugar Limited is strongly urged to provide recommended prices to their distributors and the consumers have liberty to demand manufacturers recommended prices to avoid being
overcharged.
He called upon the general Public not to panic as the Ministry has issued adequate licences for importation of sugar to increase sugar availability on the domestic market.
He therefore said, “Ministry is warning all traders against this malpractice as anyone found overcharging sugar will have their shops closed and face the long arm of the law or have their licences revoked”.