Consumers are complaining of a price increase for refined sugar. The usually abundant sweetener has become so scarce in recent weeks that President Mejia yesterday ordered the importation of an additional 3,000 tons. Commerce & Industry Minister, Angel Lockward, blamed the shortage on the delay in shipments from Brazil. However, Ivan Garcia, President of the Federation of Dominican Merchants, said that the fault lies with local producers who promised a new supply before October, but have failed to deliver. Wholesale prices have jumped dramatically in recent weeks and are now being reflected in supermarket sales. A 125-pound sack of sugar that sold this summer for DR$430 (around US$26) is now selling for DR$650 (or US$39).
