Malawians have to dig deeper into their pockets to manage a packet of sugar as the product’s local manufacturer Illovo has adjusted prices upwards. The last time prices of the product were adjusted upwards was in May this year.
Consumers will now have to part ways with K1500 to purchase a 1KG packet of brown sugar and K1660 for a 1KG of white sugar.
According to a statement from the public listed company the decision is to deter illegal exports into neighbouring countries and ensure sustained availability of the product.
The statement indicates that due to exchange rates developments between Malawi kwacha and currencies of Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia, exports from Malawi are cheaper which has created room for illegal exports of sugar which may result in scarcity of the product.