Government Takes Steps to Control Rising Sugar Prices
New Delhi, August 21: The government has taken several measures to control rising sugar prices and ensure adequate availability during the festive season.
Sugar prices rose from ₹48.18 per kg on July 20 to ₹55.70 per kg on August 20. The government said the increase is mainly due to lower-than-expected production, higher festive demand, weather-related crop damage and global supply shortages.
Sugar production is estimated at around 306 lakh tonnes, below the initial estimate of 343 lakh tonnes. Red rot and top borer diseases in sugarcane, along with waterlogging caused by excessive rainfall, have affected production.
To prevent hoarding, a 400-tonne stock limit has been imposed on dealers. The government has also allowed duty-free import of 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar and advised sugar mills to begin crushing from October 15.
The government said adequate stocks are available and assured that it will continue monitoring prices and supplies to protect consumers and sugarcane farmers.
