Trade Minister Cracks Down on Chipiku for Hoarding Sugar
Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Vitumbiko Augeans Mumba, raided Chipiku Plus Supermarket in Lilongwe this afternoon over allegations of sugar hoarding.
Customers had been told that sugar was out of stock, causing frustration, yet reports emerged that management had secretly halted sales while selectively allowing certain individuals to purchase bales of sugar.
Accompanied by the Secretary for Trade and Industry and the CEO of the Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC), the Minister discovered large quantities of sugar hidden in the shop’s warehouse. He immediately ordered the supermarket to stock its shelves and resume sales to customers.
Hon. Mumba condemned the practice, stating that it creates unnecessary panic and distorts sugar availability in the country.
CFTC CEO Lloyds Vincent Nkhoma reinforced that hoarding sugar violates the Competition and Fair Trading Act.
Similar inspections were carried out at Shoprite and Chipiku Main along Paul Kagame Highway.
The Minister issued a stern warning against deliberate market distortions, including price inflation by wholesalers and vendors, and assured Malawians that the country has enough sugar to last until the next production season.
As a consequence of the violations, Chipiku Plus has been shut down until all irregularities are addressed.
