Sugar shortage

The authority said the main reason for the shortage in sugar is that supplies from Fiji have been temporarily halted due to the rising cases of COVID-19 in Fiji.

“Although there is a shortage of sugar in the market, businesses do not have the right to take advantage of this situation to spike prices,” the authority said.

“Sugar prices are still very much controlled by the Competent Authority under the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development.”

Radio Tonga reports a sugar shortage on Tongatapu and Vava'u.

A spokesperson for the Consumer Affairs division of the Ministry of Labour and Trade said the public can file complaints if they find shops selling sugar at inflated rates.

There are reports some places are placing a 20 percent premium on the set price.

The shortage had put down to uncertainty over shipping schedules.

A similar shortfall occurred last year.

There's hope a shipment of sugar will arrive next month.