By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz The inclusion of refined sugar in relief packs is seen to offset the low demand for sugar, amid the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA). (PIXABAY / MANILA BULLETIN) DA Secretary William Dar said the local government units (LGUs) can now include at least 2 kilograms of sugar in their relief packs, following the approval of the Interagency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases. "Through this, we can ease pressure brought about by the high supply of the sweetener," Dar said. He noted that a stable market would not only benefit consumers but also sugarcane farmers, who are harvesting their crops for the current milling season. According to the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), sugar traders have been experiencing 30 percent to 40 percent decrease in orders from food manufacturers and other institutional buyers as a result of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon and in other parts of the country. The SRA last April 12 said there is enough sugar supply in trader’s warehouses in Luzon, with a total raw sugar stock balance of 1.793 million 50-kilogram bags, while refined sugar stock balance is at 2.2 million 50-kilogram bags. It added that the total sugar output was estimated at 12.3 million 50-kilogram, while withdrawals were estimated at 8.8 million 50-kilogram nationwide. Dar also noted that almost all grocery stores and supermarkets follow the suggested retail price for both raw and refined sugar. Refined sugar should be retailed at P50 per kilogram (kg) and brown sugar at P45 per kg.