The ongoing COVID-19 epidemic has driven up demand for many disease prevention products, including surgical masks and rubbing alcohol. This has led to an unexpected side effect: the supply of sugar is seeing a shortage since sugar is used to produce alcohol.
An official in Taitung County’s agriculture sector has expressed concern over the increase in the price of sugar. Sugar is a key ingredient in the production of many food products, including wine and chili sauce.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, large quantities of sugar have been used in the production of isopropyl alcohol, which is an antimicrobial disinfectant. The shift has led to a shortage in making other products, and the price for commercial sugar has since increased by 10%. The official said some food manufacturers have already begun to hoard sugar in fear of further shortages.
The Taiwan Sugar Corporation said they have priced their commercial sugar in line with global prices. The company also said the public does not need to worry since it will keep the price of retail sugar steady in the foreseeable future.