People can expect sugar supplies to gradually return to supermarket shelves over the coming weeks as the Fiji Sugar Corporation says production has increased and fresh stocks are now being distributed across the country following a temporary shortage.
In a statement, FSC acknowledges the shortage being experienced in some supermarkets and retail outlets, apologising for the inconvenience caused to consumers and saying it is making every effort to restore normal sugar supplies.
FSC says the shortage was caused by an unforeseen delay to the start of the 2026 crushing season, which put pressure on domestic sugar stocks and supply.
The Corporation says it introduced a temporary rationing system for customers to manage the available stocks responsibly, support the equitable distribution of sugar nationwide and minimise the risk of complete stockouts.
FSC says the supply situation is now steadily improving, with all three sugar mills currently operating after the Lautoka Mill began crushing on 14th July.
It says as milling activities continue and production increases, sugar bagging operations have resumed and fresh stocks are being progressively dispatched through the local distribution network.
FSC says consumers should expect to see sugar gradually returning to supermarket shelves as retailers receive and replenish their inventories over the coming weeks.
The Corporation says it has also made significant progress in clearing outstanding customer orders.
According to FSC, the current backlog for retail-pack sugar is about 65 tonnes and these orders are expected to be cleared by the end of this week.
It says all outstanding June orders for 25-kilogram bags have already been fulfilled, with deliveries now being made for current month orders.
To help meet consumer demand during this transition period, FSC says it has also secured imported sugar.
The Corporation says initial shipments from New Zealand have already arrived and are being distributed into the local market, while additional consignments from Thailand are scheduled to arrive throughout August and the following months to complement local production and maintain adequate supplies.
FSC says it is working closely with customers to ensure the timely distribution of available sugar stocks and that supplies are shared as equitably as possible across the country.
The Corporation has expressed their gratitude to consumers, retailers and stakeholders for their patience and understanding, saying it expects sugar availability across retail outlets to continue improving in the coming weeks as production increases, outstanding orders are cleared and imported sugar supplements local supply.