Sugar shortages plague Riau

PEKANBARU, Riau: Supplies of sugar have been running low in Riau during the past few days because of rising demand ahead of the Idul Fitri holidays.

Sugar supplies stood at 2,000 tons in the province but demand was estimated at 8,000 tons, North Sumatra trade and industry office head Emrizal Pakis said. The shortage of sugar had increased the price of the commodity to Rp 5,500 from Rp 4,500, he said.

The provincial government has requested the Ministry of Trade appoint extra sugar distributors to channel sugar into the province. -- JP