Indonesian Sugar Refining Association Deputy Chief Andre Vincent Wenas stated on Tuesday that the current stock of raw sugar is not enough to meet the targeted production and projected demands for white crystal sugar.
"According to our December 31th 2011 data from the National Sugar Council, we still have around 603,000 tons of raw sugar stocks, in which around 63 percent of sugar stock, reaching 382,600 tons, are controlled by traders. Sugar mills and farmers are left with 33 percent at around 196,000 tons and 4 percent at around 24,900 tons, respectively," he said.
The government has recently planned to comply with the demands for white crystal sugar in the eastern parts of Indonesia, by securing up to 300,000 tons of sugar stocks between January and April 2012.
"The government is optimistic because according to January 12th report, PT Perkebunan Nusantara still has up to 340,000 tons of sugar stocks, but demands in Java in the next four months are expected to reach 510,000 tons alone," he said in a statement, adding that Java will naturally be prioritized.
He urged the government to include the association in the coming four month plan to secure national raw sugar stocks to be able to help stabilizing sugar prices. (eaz)
