Govt tightens sugar stock rules to curb hoarding ahead of festivals
To ensure adequate sugar supply during the festive season, the government has halved stockholding limits for dealers to 1,000 quintals and shortened the holding period to 15 days, effective from 15 October through 30 November.
The Indian government has tightened sugar stockholding norms to curb hoarding ahead of the festive season starting October 11. Dealers will now be limited to holding only 1,000 quintals of sugar at a time for a maximum of 15 days. This change will be in effect from October 15 until November 30. The move aims to prevent price hikes and ensure adequate sugar supply during peak festive demand.
Retail sugar prices were at ₹55.62 per kg on October 1, about 20% higher than a year ago, but have since corrected from a peak of ₹62.96 per kg in August. However, prices have fallen 11.7% to ₹55.62 per kg. Certain regions, including Kolkata and Assam, are granted higher limits due to logistical needs. The government seeks to balance farmer profits and affordable prices for consumers while preventing speculative trading.
Sugar mills, dealers, and retailers are instructed to ensure stocks move continuously and not accumulate artificially. The government expects lower prices to trickle down to consumers.
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