LILONGWE--Trade minister John Bande, embarrassed by the scarcity of sugar that has sent prices of the sweet commodity skyrocketing, Thursday threatened to close down businesses which are ripping off customers.

Malawi has run out of sugar although the commodity is produced locally prompting Bande to visit several shops in Lilongwe to check sugar prices.

The country's sole sugar manufacturer Illovo has blamed the scarcity on exports by unscrupulous businessmen.

Half a kilo of sugar which was going for K220 just a few weeks ago now is selling for up to K800. Vendors and residents buy sugar in bulk which they resell at a higher price.
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