CAIRO, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Egypt removed a 20 percent import tariff on white sugar imports effective Nov. 10 to May 30, a prime minister decree published in the country's official gazette said on Thursday.

The tariff has impeded private importers securing supplies and has contributed to Egypt's sugar shortage crisis.

Egypt's supply minister on Nov. 3 announced the tariff would be slashed but traders have waited for an official decree to confirm the change.