The Indonesian Trade Ministry has refused to extend the State Logistic Agency's (Bulog) license on sugar import, Media Indonesia reported here on Saturday.

The agency, whose license expired on April 30, planned to import some 45,000 tons of sugar this year.

"We reject the extension of the license for entry of sugar," Trade Minister Mari Pangestu said on Friday, quoted by the Media Indonesia.

The minister said that if the government allowed sugar to enter the country, it would disturb domestic sugar industry.

The current domestic production was sufficient for consumption, the minister added.

The country consumes about 2.5 to 2.6 million tons of sugar each year.

Source: Xinhua