NEW: Sugar producers allay fears of shortages

Online Reporter

ZIMBABWE has enough stocks of raw sugar to satisfy local demand despite the recent closure of one of the country’s biggest sugar refineries, local producers have said.

Gold Star, a subsidiary of Starafrica Corporation, closed its refinery in Harare early this week citing a sharp increase in raw sugar prices by its supplier, Tongaat Hulett.

In a joint statement on Thursday, Starafrica Corporation chairperson Dr Rungano Mbire and Zimbabwe Sugar Sales (ZSS) chairperson Mr Muchadeyi Masunda said there are enough stocks until the next milling season, which begins in April.

“There have been some market concerns about a possible shortage of sugar following the temporary closure of the country’s leading refinery.

“We would like to assure our valued customers and the public that there are enough stocks of raw sugar in the country to satisfy the needs of the local market from now right up to the next milling season, which is scheduled to commence in April 2023,” reads the statement.

Starafrica and ZSS said they are committed to resolving these issues within the shortest possible time and resume refining operations.