Z’bar traders warned against violating indicative pricesfor sugar

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR Minister for Trade and Industrial Development Mr Omar Said Shaaban has announced indicative prices for sugar in Unguja and Pemba, warning dishonest traders from hiking the prices of the sweetener.

According to the minister retail price of sugar in Unguja is 2,650/- per kilogram while in Pemba the commodity will be sold at 2,700/- per kilogramme.

He told reporters when announcing indicative price for the commodity as Muslims start observing the Holy month of Ramadan that stern measures will be taken against traders who will go against the agreed indicative price.

“This is an order from President Mwinyi that after scrapping the Value Added Tax (VAT) on sugar, he wants to see people buying sugar at the affordable price” said the Minister.

President Mwinyi recently directed the Ministry to provide an indicative price for sugar after the government removed VAT.

This is an attempt to control inflation and reduce the cost of living for people, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

The Minister said following President Mwinyi’s order, the Ministry has instructed all traders to lower the price of sugar during Ramadan and sell it at 2,650/- per kilogram in Unguja and 2,700/- per kilogram in Pemba.

Regarding indicative price for wholesalers, the Minister said the commodity will be sold at123,000/- in Unguja, and 126,000/- in Pemba for 50 kilograms of sugar.

“I kindly ask traders to implement the order as strict legal measures will be taken against any trader who violates the instruction, including revoking the business license.

In addition, he asked the officials of the Zanzibar Business and Property Registration Agency (ZBPRA) to ensure that sugar is sold at an indicative price throughout the holy month of Ramadhan.

At the same time, Minister Shaaban has asked traders to avoid hiking prices of all other commodities saying the holy month of Ramadan should not be used for making super profit.

“This is not a time for making money by hiking prices, rather it is a time to earn rewards from God.”

Mr Shaaban also asked local dealers, particularly regional and district commissioners and community leaders (Sheha) to help the government in ensuring the mission of President Mwinyi is accomplished selling commodities at reasonable prices.