“The Department of Consumer Affairs is currently in the process of securing shipments from alternative suppliers with a shipment expected as early as next week (Jan. 22 to 28). The public is assured that measures have already been put in place to lessen the impact of any future shortages. Until then, consumers are encouraged to carefully manage their personal stock,” Consumer Affairs Director Wendy Frederick said.

As to the cause of the shortage, the Director says bad weather is to blame.

“Unfavourable weather patterns led to poor crop yields and lower production quality, which resulted in generally low stock levels within the region,” Frederick said.

Sugar exporters globally have blamed the cyclical Pacific climate pattern El Niño for decreased sugar production. This had an adverse increase in the price of sugar globally. However, Saint Lucia continues to keep the price of sugar under price control.