Companies involved in the import of consumer goods do not intend to continue doing so if the government continues its crusade. Since it came to power, the ministry of Trade has been fighting to make companies reduce the price of goods as it found their profit margin too high. IBL is among those who are thinking about stopping importing some products.

The government is tackling products like Kraft cheddar cheese, Palmolive soap and shampoo or Colgate toothpaste. If the government doesn’t accept to review its position, such products could no longer be available in shops in the future.

According to IBL Consumer Goods, the increase in sea freight is the cause of the price increases. Moreover, the company explains that the marketing of the products in Mauritius has taken up a lot of investment. As for supermarkets and hypermarkets, the reason for such high prices is the depreciation of the rupee compared to the dollar. In any case, they all agree that the profit margin is not the cause of the high prices.

But the ministry keeps its stand ; it is convinced that the profit on products imported by IBL is too great and should be controlled. The company, however, still hopes that it will come to an agreement with the authorities. The stoppage of their import activities – which will lead to job losses and a shortage for consumers – will only be a last resort.