Zanzibar authorities have announced the suspension of value-added tax (VAT) on imported sugar during the holy month of Ramadan, aiming to alleviate financial burdens for its residents.
This decision comes amidst a surge in sugar prices over the past three months, attributed to shortages in Tanzania and its semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar, with authorities pointing to low production as the primary cause.
President Hussein Ali Mwinyi emphasized during a visit to local markets that traders must refrain from unjustified price hikes, particularly on essential commodities like cassava, fish, vegetables, and fruits, which adversely affect the majority of the population, especially during Ramadan.
Addressing traders directly, President Mwinyi asserted that there is no excuse for inflating food prices, underscoring the government’s commitment to curbing inflation and ensuring affordability for all citizens.
