Commerce Ministry push for lower sugar prices

BANGKOK, Jan 22 (TNA) -- The Commerce Ministry confirms that sugar will still be included in the protected commodities list despite recently floating local market prices as the shopping malls will be asked to lower sugar prices at the end of the month. Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong stated that the ministry is waiting for the official announcement by the Office of Cane and Sugar Board to float sugar prices before meeting with retailers, wholesalers and businesses and manufacturers to discuss lowering prices. Currently there is a downturn in global market price for sugar so lowering prices should not be a problem. The meeting is expected to be held at the end of the month. In spite of this, the Ministry of Commerce announced that sugar will still be included in the list of the protected commodities due to its importance staple food for consumers. Global prices for sugar is extremely volatile and the only way that the ministry can effectively manage sugar on behalf of Thai consumers is its inclusion in the list. The ministry has accordingly ordered the Department of Internal Trade to closely monitor local market prices. (TNA)