Sugar shortages in S. Sumatra

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: A sugar scarcity in South Sumatra looms as the demand for sugar this year is expected to surge between 80,000 and 130,000 tons next year, while the main local sugar producer Cinta Manis may only be able to produce approximately 50,000 tons of sugar this year.

In order to avert a shortage in South Sumatra, local sugar traders proposed to the government that they be allowed to import the commodity, either from other provinces in the country, or from foreign countries, said chief of South Sumatra Sugar Trader, Obrin Saleh.

The demand for sugar is expected to increase rapidly in the coming months, especially because Ramadhan and Idul Fitri next month, traditionally see a climb in demand. -- Antara