The government of Saint Lucia is cushioning the cost of the essential commodities of rice, sugar, and flour amid global price hikes linked primarily to the high shipping cost, Commerce Minister Emma Hippolyte has announced.
“The Ministry of Commerce has responsibility for the importation of rice, flour and sugar to this country and I need to tell you that now the price of sugar and rice have exceeded the cost that we are retailing it to you. So right now the government is cushioning the increases of these basic commodities,” Hippolyte told a news conference on Wednesday.
The Minister, whose responsibilities also include Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives, and Consumer Affairs, disclosed that the biggest challenge for the authorities is sourcing the commodities.
She explained that price and supply stability have been affected, resulting in delivery delays and an increase in the time frame for ordering the commodities.
