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By Burnett Munthali

Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Vitumbiko Augeans Mumba, stormed Chipiku Plus Supermarket in Lilongwe this afternoon after receiving reports that the store was hoarding sugar.

Customers who visited the supermarket were informed that sugar had run out, leaving many in frustration and despair.

However, intelligence gathered revealed that the management had deliberately halted sugar sales while secretly allowing select individuals to purchase bales of sugar from the same store.

Accompanied by the Secretary for Trade and Industry and the CEO of the Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC), the Minister conducted an impromptu inspection of the supermarket’s warehouse.

Upon discovering bales of sugar stored inside, the Minister ordered the shop to immediately restock its shelves so that customers could access and purchase the product.

He expressed concern that such practices were fueling unnecessary panic and creating a false impression of sugar shortages in the country.

The Minister emphasized that this dishonest behavior had to be stopped as it was distorting the market and causing artificial panic among consumers.

CEO for CFTC, Lloyds Vincent Nkhoma, condemned the supermarket’s actions, stating that hoarding sugar was a serious violation of the Competition and Fair Trading Act.

To ensure compliance, a similar inspection was carried out at ShopRite and Chipiku Main along Paul Kagame Highway.

The Minister issued a stern warning that his administration would not tolerate deliberate distortions in the distribution of sugar or any attempts to manipulate prices.

He also cautioned wholesalers and vendors against inflating sugar prices above the recommended retail price.

Reassuring Malawians, the Minister stated that the country had an adequate supply of sugar to sustain the population until the next production season.

As a consequence of its actions, Chipiku Plus Supermarket has been shut down until it resolves the irregularities and complies with fair trading practices.

This move signals the government’s commitment to ensuring fair trade and protecting consumers from exploitation by unscrupulous businesses.