Kyrgyzstan is considering a ban on sugar imports as part of efforts to support domestic producers, following a similar proposal concerning imported potatoes.

Officials at the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry announced the initiative, saying the measure is aimed at protecting local businesses, according to vesti.kg.

However, specialists and members of the public have raised concerns that an import ban could lead to higher prices for sugar and other products if it is introduced.

Earlier, Kyrgyz authorities proposed banning potato imports. Officials said local farmers were selling potatoes for 16 soms ($0.18) per kilogram and struggling to cover their costs because of competition from imported produce.

At the same time, publicly available data shows that the average retail price of potatoes across Kyrgyzstan is currently between 45 and 80 soms ($0.51-0.91) per kilogram.

The proposed restrictions on sugar imports have not yet been introduced and remain under consideration.