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.
The 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 attributing the low production as the primary cause.
President Hussein Ali Mwinyi emphasised 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.
As Zanzibar, with its predominantly Muslim population, prepares for the upcoming month of Ramadan, characterised by fasting from dawn until sunset, authorities aim to mitigate financial strains on households by implementing measures to stabilise prices and make essential goods more accessible.