This what comes out of the meeting between the Minister of Commerce, Soodesh Callichurn and 4 main importers of oil. The available stock will last until May. The importers are already in the process of signing contracts with other countries, including Argentina.
No shortage
After the 21st March meeting, Minister Callichurn said, “We do not have a shortage. But we had to make a decision to limit oil purchases as a precautionary measure. The rationing came with a three-month restriction imposed by Egypt, the largest exporter of edible oil and Mauritius’ main supplier. Egypt sources its raw materials, including sunflower from Ukraine, the largest producer.”
Other countries in consideration
These 4 importers represent 96% of the Mauritian edible oil market and they import about 36,000 tons of edible oil per year. For the time being, they have reported that the available stock should last until May. Agiliss and Moroil, also local producers, have already assured the population via press releases that there is no need for panic buying. “However, the Mauritian importers have made us understand that they have already found other countries to source edible oil,” said the Minister of Commerce. We understand that Argentina is already a targeted country and that India is an option not to be ruled out.
Lifting the quota
Thus, as the Minister reassured, “there is a possibility that the quota on edible oil will be lifted in the coming days.” He also made it clear that he will have a series of meetings with other importers of various imported commodities, such as milk and corn.
