Egypt’s Trade and Industry Ministry announced in a statement on Thursday that it has extended an import ban on white and raw sugar for three months.

Egypt’s Trade and Industry Minister Nevine Gamea explained in the statement that the extension is aimed at tightening control over imported products amid precautionary measures to contain the spread of coronavirus.

The decision was taken after full coordination with Egypt’s supply and internal trade minister, Gamea added.

Imports could be permitted within the three months on condition of an approval for the required quantity by the two ministers, the statement read.

Egypt has strategic reserves of sugar sufficient for 7 months, according to a government statement issued earlier last week.