Sugar Scarcity in Egypt Leads to 275% Price Hike: Minister Vows Resolution

Sugar Scarcity in Egypt Leads to 275% Price Hike: Minister Vows Resolution

Egypt faces a severe sugar shortage leading to a staggering 275 percent price hike per kilogram, prompting Supply Minister Ali Al-Moselhi to issue a public apology and assure citizens of a resolution by December 15. For the past month, Egyptians had to endure hours-long queues to acquire only two kilograms of sugar, and in some regions, the allocation is reduced to one kilogram. The situation persists despite the minister’s reassurances. “I can only find [sugar] at a price of EGP 50 per kilogram (USD 1.62),” a consumer in Maadi told Egyptian Streets. “It’s not even available in stores. I only get it on Talabat Mart or Rabbit.” Widespread concerns have arisen over the significant price surge, with accusations that vendors and food and beverage companies are hoarding their supplies. One consumer described an emerging black market for sugar at the height of the crisis earlier this month as she had to meet the vendor behind the store, where he sold her two kilograms of sugar at a price of EGP 50 (USD 1.62). Reports of a black market for sugar emerged, describing covert transactions behind stores, with consumers forced toContinue reading "Sugar Scarcity in Egypt Leads to 275% Price Hike: