Zanzibar: Government Lowers Sugar as Ramadan Begins

The Zanzibar government has introduced indicative prices for sugar as Ramadan begins, aiming to lower the cost of living during this fasting month.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Omar Said Shaaban, announced that the price of sugar per kilogram is set at Sh2,650 in Unguja and Sh2,700 in Pemba. This marks a significant reduction from the previous price of Sh3,200.

The decision to set these prices follows directives from President Hussein Mwinyi, who recently engaged with traders to understand their challenges. During these interactions, President Mwinyi instructed the trade ministry to establish indicative prices for sugar. This move comes after the government removed value-added tax (VAT) on sugar imports, aimed at easing the cost of living, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.