APEC: The import of sugar in Mauritius is not transparent

The Mauritius Sugar Syndicate imports about 35,000 tonnes of sugar every year. On the world market the price of white sugar, consumed by most Mauritians, is Rs 18.75 per kilogramme. It is sold to consumers at Rs 37 a kilo.

This represents an increase of 100 per cent. The price that the Mauritius Sugar Syndicate has fixed for local operators is

Rs 28.60 per kilogramme. This includes purchase price, freight, insurance and handling cost.

“The import of sugar is not done in a transparent way and should be liberalised,” said Suttyhudeo Tengur, president of the Association for the Protection of the Environment and Consumers (APEC).

He added, “The price for local operators is Rs 28.60 per kg and retail price is Rs 37 per kg. The additional Rs 8.40 per kg to cover packaging and distribution costs is not a fair deal for consumers.”

Jean Noël Humbert, director of the Syndicat des Sucres (Union of Sugars) said that all information regarding the price of sugar has been sent to the Price Advisory Committee (PAC).

“I cannot say anything about this as it is PAC which oversees all the basic products,” said Humbert, adding, “Regarding Tengur, he must have a right of reservation because he is part of PAC. It is the committee that will monitor the price.”