DAMMAM: The exorbitant price of sugar these days is leaving a bitter taste in the mouth of consumers. Prices have increased about 40 percent, according to retailers. The price rise has been attributed to stock market fluctuations and climate change. A one kilogram pack of sugar is now SR5, up from just SR2. The destruction of sugarcane crops by heavy rain in sugar-producing countries like India is another reason behind the global shortage, say experts. The price of sugar has increased several times over the last couple of months. The price is expected to rise further with increasing global demand. Consumers are now calling for the authorities to take action on essential items like sugar, because they say the hike has negatively affected their budgets. Shamna Asif, an Indian housewife living in Dammam, told Saudi Gazette that she was shocked to see the price hike. “I usually buy a 10 kilogram pack of sugar, which lasts for several months for my small family. When I went to buy sugar yesterday at a leading supermarket here, I was shocked to see the price of a 10 kilogram bag was SR50,” she said. Boofiya owners are also complaining about the price rise. Shaji, who runs a boofiya in Jalawiya area in Dammam, said that if the price continues to increase, they will be compelled to increase the price of some items like tea. “We are selling a cup of tea for SR1, but if the price of sugar continues to rise, we will be forced to increase the price to SR2. We are also compelled to increase the price of fresh juices as well,” he said. Most confectionary shops have also increased the price of their products. Soft drink companies like Pepsi and Coca-Cola have also increased the price of a can.
