Indonesia is facing a shortage of sugar as the lockdown has delayed import of sugar in the country. This is the period when sugar demand is at peak and the government is taking steps to ensure that consumers get sufficient sugar. Sugar demand peaks in Indonesia during the fasting month of Ramadan.
According to the Bloomberg, Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said, we are diverting sugar used by industry to the retail shops to meet the household demand. The sugar shortage has led to an increase in retail prices of sugar above 40 per cent than the rates fixed by the government which is highest in last four years. President Joko Widodo has issued orders to take steps to reduce sugar prices.
Indonesia imports sugar from Thailand and India. Sugar supply from Thailand is affected due to less production in the country and India has imposed lockdown in the country which has delayed Indonesia getting sugar.
