New Delhi, 01 October (H.S.): The Central Government on Thursday revised the stockholding norms for sugar to prevent hoarding during the festive season and ensure adequate supplies and reasonable prices for consumers. Under the revised norms, the stock limit for sugar dealers has been reduced to 1,000 quintals, while the maximum period for which dealers can hold the stock has been cut to 15 days.

According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, the revised limits will remain in force from October 15 to November 30. During this period, dealers will be permitted to hold sugar stocks for a maximum of 15 days.

However, considering the specific requirements of Kolkata and its extended metropolitan area, as well as Assam, the stock limit in these regions will be 2,000 quintals.

The ministry said that with the new sugar season commencing on October 1, the government is taking steps to ensure the availability of sugar to consumers at reasonable prices during the festive period. By limiting both the quantity of sugar that can be held and the duration for which it can be stored, the government aims to ensure the orderly movement of sugar through the supply chain and maintain its continuous availability to consumers.

Earlier, in August, the government had fixed a nationwide stock limit of 4,000 quintals for sugar dealers. The limit was applicable from August 1 to November 30, with dealers permitted to hold sugar stocks for a maximum of 30 days from the date of receipt.

Subsequently, from September 15, the stock limit was reduced to 2,000 quintals.

According to the ministry, the average retail price of sugar has now declined by 15 per cent from its peak level in August. The ministry expects prices to fall further as the benefit of lower prices gradually passes through the supply chain.

Prices at the mill level have declined by around 28 per cent and have remained stable for the past three weeks. The government has directed sugar mills, dealers, wholesalers and other market participants to ensure the uninterrupted movement of sugar, prevent hoarding and speculation, and ensure that the benefit of the decline in mill-level prices reaches consumers immediately through wholesale and retail channels.

The Central Government has also advised sugar mills to commence crushing operations in accordance with the agro-climatic conditions prevailing in their respective areas. State governments have likewise been asked to take appropriate steps regarding the commencement of crushing operations based on the prevailing local conditions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar