In economics, price ceiling introduces shortage given the right condition.
In Malaysia, price ceiling combats shortage in the same condition:
Controlling prices to ease sugar shortage
13 Sep 2006
Fay Angela D’cruzKUALA LUMPUR: Fine sugar has been made a controlled item, with its price fixed at RM1.55 per kg in West Malaysia, and RM1.65 per kg in Sabah and Sarawak.
This move follows the tendency among refineries to produce more fine sugar as it was not a controlled item, resulting in the shortage of coarse sugar in the market.
Before the decision, fine sugar was sold between RM1.90 and RM2.50 per kg. Coarse sugar is controlled at RM1.40 per kg.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shafie Apdal announced the decision, which is effective from today.
He said the government hoped the move would help solve the coarse sugar shortage in the retail market.
May a higher being saves us all.
For previous entries on sugar shortage, see post [824] Of sugar: price ceiling and oligopoly, [810] Of doctor says sugar is unhealthy and [763] Of honey, ah sugar sugar.
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