The Government of India has reduced the stock holding period for sugar dealers and increased scrutiny to ensure sugar availability during the festive season.
The Government of India has taken steps to ensure adequate availability of sugar to consumers at reasonable prices during the upcoming festive season. Effective from October 15, 2026, the stock holding period for sugar dealers has been reduced to 15 days and the stock holding limit set at 1,000 quintals across India, except in Kolkata and its extended metropolitan areas and the State of Assam.
Under the revised provisions, a sugar dealer shall not hold sugar stock for more than 15 days from the date of receipt and not exceed 1,000 quintals at any time and place across India, except in Kolkata, its extended metropolitan areas, and Assam where the limit is set at 2,000 quintals.
The Government aims to prevent unnecessary accumulation of sugar in the distribution chain and facilitate smooth supplies from sugar mills through dealers to end consumers. The higher limit for Assam has been provided due to geographical constraints, transportation logistics, and consumer interest in the North-Eastern region.
Retail sugar prices have already declined by 15% from their August peak and are expected to decrease further as the benefit of lower ex-mill prices is passed through the supply chain. Ex-mill sugar prices have fallen by approximately 28% and stabilized over the past three weeks.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
