BUSINESSES have been given the green light by the Government to import sugar from overseas markets.
In an interview in Nadi yesterday Minister of Finance Esrom Immanuel said although there is some sufficient stock in supermarkets, Government has allowed businesses to import sugar.
This follows concerns that some supermarkets across the country had little to no sugar on their shelves.
“We had checked last week. The Ministry of Agriculture and Sugar Industry had mentioned there is some sufficient stock,” Mr Immanuel said.
“But we have allowed businesses, if they can import sugar as well because it will cater for the expected shortage.
“However, on the bright side the 2026 harvesting season has already started and that probably can cater for sugar supply in the next two to three months but for now we have allowed any importer to also import sugar if there is any shortage.”
Meanwhile, Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Labasa cane farmer Charan Jeath Singh said the country may import sugar from Thailand if farmers were not careful.
“It’s much cheaper to import and sell than what it costs to produce sugar locally,” he said.
“Let’s not kill this industry, don’t listen to bystanders of the industry, let’s make it work.
“Sugar industry is very competitive in the global market. It needs economics of scale to survive.”
Fiji primarily imports sugar from Indonesia, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, and Thailand to meet domestic consumer demands and supplement supply when local production falls short of consumption needs.
Attempts to get comments from Fiji Sugar Corporation chief executive officer Bhan Pratap Singh were unsuccessful as he declined the calls made to him yesterday.
