Sugar Prices Get a Check.. Centre Announces Key Measures

The Centre has stepped up measures to prevent artificial shortages and price manipulation in the domestic sugar market. Along with restrictions on sugar stocks, the government allowed duty-free imports of 1 million tonnes of raw sugar. As a result, ex-mill sugar prices have declined by up to 20%, with retail prices also showing a downward trend. From September, sugar mills will be assigned sales quotas every 15 days instead of the existing monthly allocation to ensure smoother supply.

Inspections found that some mills were holding more sugar than reported, while others had sold less than their allocated monthly quota. Under the new system, mills must sell at least 40% of their allocated quota during the first week and the remaining quantity during the following week. Stocks must be dispatched within seven days of sale. Crushing for the 2026–27 sugar marketing year will begin on October 15, with over 1 million tonnes of production expected in the first month. The government has also urged consumers not to stockpile sugar unnecessarily ahead of festivals.