This week, in a move to protect consumers, the Government came out strongly to criticize traders who had set sugar prices at Rwf 1,200 from Rwf 800 per kilo within two months.

The Ministry of Trade Commerce and Industry, had earlier cautioned the traders against hiking the prices after it had waived certain tariffs to encourage the importation of sugar since the local manufacturer, Kabuye Sugar Works, was not producing enough for the market.

Sugar is a key commodity and exorbitant price increments will put a strain on the lives of the Rwandan people.

The Government’s move is, without doubt, commendable, however, for it to be successfully implemented, it is imperative that mechanisms to ensure that traders comply with the recommended retail price of Rwf 800, are in place.

There have been reports about traders hoarding sugar to create shortage to be able to hike the price. The government has allowed waivers on imported sugar, the traders should instead look to make profits by importing instead of hiking the price for the locally manufactured sugar.

With economies across the world facing difficult times, it is important that the government steps in to protect the people before things get out of hand, as has been the case in various countries.

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