No sugar price hike in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - The Sugar Regulatory Administration said that prices of sugar in the region, particularly in Cebu, remain at P49.25 for refined (white) sugar and P39.75 for raw (brown) sugar per kilo despite the reported increase of up to P60 per kilo in Manila.

This is based on SRA’s monitoring operation last weekend, however, it is possible to be in effect here soon depending on traders’, repackers’ and retailers’ discretion.

“If ingun-ana ang trend ‘nya ang traders diri sa Cebu mosunod, wala ta’y mabuhat ana,” said Wilfredo Monares, SRA regulation officer.

Monares explained that production of sugar has been affected by the increase in prices of fertilizer and the bad weather conditions experienced last year.

“Nigamay man gud ang production sa tubo (sugarcane) tungod nimahal ang fertilizer. For producers, dili practical magtanom kay mas mahal pa ang fertilizer sa usa ka sako na sugar,” Monares explained.

Monares said it takes a year from the time sugarcane is planted until the harvest time that is why it is possible that previous year’s challenges to sugarcane planting are only felt now.

In terms of supply, there are two sugar plantations in Cebu, in Danao and Medellin, which help answer the demand of the province.

But Monares said that the production is not sufficient for the growing demand so the province needs to buy from Negros Occidental, Ormoc and Mindanao.

There are no reports of shortage as SRA was able to monitor regular shipping between Cebu and Negros. Monares added that they have also not received reports of hoarding.

In Manila, price of refined sugar has already reached P60 per kilo which the SRA said is just too much since supply for this year is more than enough and is still about to increase due to the milling season.

The SRA said that the country has 600 metric tons of both raw and refined sugar available and is expected to last until October. If a shortage occurs, SRA has already identified importing as the solution. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)