Govt approves sugar imports to prevent possible shortages

The Government has approved sugar imports as a precautionary measure to prevent possible shortages, while maintaining that current local stocks remain sufficient.

Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development Esrom Immanuel said businesses had been given approval to import sugar to help maintain supply should shortages emerge.

The move follows concerns from retailers and consumers over sugar availability, with the Government working alongside industry stakeholders to ensure the market remains adequately supplied.

Mr Immanuel said checks conducted last week with the Ministry of Agriculture and Sugar Industry confirmed that existing sugar stocks were sufficient.

"We checked last week; the Ministry of Agriculture and Sugar mentioned that there are sufficient stocks, but we have allowed businesses to import sugar as well because it will cater for the expected shortage," he said.

He said the approval would provide businesses with an additional option to secure supplies while local production continues.

Mr Immanuel said the start of the sugar harvesting season was expected to ease pressure on supply over the next few months.

"However, harvesting has already started, so that probably can cater for sugar in the next two or three months," he said.

He said importers had been given approval to bring in sugar through the existing approval process.

"But for now we have allowed any importer to also import through the decimation pattern," he said.

The decision comes as Fiji's sugar industry enters the harvesting season, with supply dependent on cane production, milling activity and market demand.

Imported sugar is expected to provide a temporary buffer while locally produced sugar from the new harvest enters the market.

The Government said it would continue monitoring sugar stocks and work with retailers and industry stakeholders to ensure consumers have reliable access to supplies.