By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga 

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said he does not see any problems with the recent importation of 150,000 metric tons (MT) of refined sugar.

Lacson said local planters hope the high mill gate prices during the previous milling season will remain high.

He added that he is not against the importation of the commodity as long as the price of locally-produced sugar will remain at the current mill gate price of P3,000 per bag or P60 per kilo.

The governor is also adamant that the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) will be able to protect the local sugar industry since two of its board members are Negrenses.

On July 6, the SRA approved the importation of 150,000 MT of sugar for delivery by September.

The SRA said importations are needed to maintain a balanced supply and demand of sugar for domestic consumption and to ensure that prices remain stable.

The regulatory agency further said that local sugar production was expected to decline if the milling season starts or ends early.

Under Sugar Order No.7, all imported sugar must arrive by September 15./DGB, WDJ