Sugar Importers Increase, But Prices Remain Unchanged: ‘Joghourd’

According to the ‘Joghourd’ newspaper, there are questionable developments in the domestic sugar market. It is evident that the number of sugar importing companies has grown rapidly, yet prices continue to remain high.

Recent data obtained by ‘Joghourd’ reveals that from January 1 to November 30, 2020, there were 83 companies importing sugar into Armenia. This means 83 companies are responsible for sugar imports, but despite this, the price of one kilogram of sugar in stores and supermarkets exceeds 310 drams.

Moreover, we were informed by the State Revenue Committee of Armenia that during the same period in 2019, only 73 companies imported sugar. Within one year, the number of sugar importers has increased by 10. This indicates that while the number of sugar importers has gone up, there are still issues in the market, as consumption and prices have remained stagnant.

There is no monopoly and no company holds a monopolistic position; however, we do have a relatively expensive essential food product. What happened to the assurances that an increase in importers would lead to competition and a decrease in prices?

‘Joghourd’ learned that sugar has been imported into Armenia from 18 countries, including Syria, China, Russia, Germany, Belarus, and Ukraine.

For more details, see today’s issue of the newspaper.