 As indicated in a press statement on September 2, 2021, the Ministry of Commerce Manufacturing Business Development Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs reminds the public that due to the global shipping delays brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, supplies of brown and refined sugar into the island have been adversely affected. As such, the current supplies have been managed to allow for even distribution to all consumers. The Ministry has received several reports of some businesses selling a pound of brown sugar above the legislated price. The Ministry takes this opportunity to remind businesses that the retail price of one pound of brown sugar is $1 and the retail price of one pound of refined sugar is $1.10. The Ministry wishes to inform the general public that sugar is a price control item and should never be sold above the legislated price. In fact, Section 57, Subsection 1 of the Distribution and Price of Woods Act, Cap 1309, clearly states that anyone who sells above the legislated price commits an offence and is liable on semi-conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment or a tomb not exceeding one year or both. Consumers are encouraged to be extremely vigilant and report to the Consumer Affairs Department any business which is engaged in selling above the legislated price. The Consumer Affairs Department can be contacted at telephone numbers 468-4224 or 468-4231. Our operating hours are between 8 am to 4.30 pm. The email address is consumeraffairs.commerce.govt.lc. The Ministry is appealing to retailers to continue to manage the sale of sugar to discourage panic buying.