As a proactive measure to combat hoarding and curb unscrupulous speculation in the sugar market, the Centre today issued orders to Traders, Wholesalers, Retailers, Big Chain Retailers, and Processors of sugar for mandatory disclosure of the stock position of sugar every week. They will have to disclose their stock position on the portal esugar.nic.in every Monday.
 
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution said, this mandatory weekly stock disclosure for these entities is another proactive step of the Union Government's efforts to maintain a balanced and fair sugar market. By preventing hoarding and speculation, the Government is aiming to ensure that sugar remains affordable for all consumers. This proactive measure empowers regulatory authorities to closely monitor stock levels and take prompt action against any potential market manipulation.
 
The Ministry said, the fully digital initiative will facilitate a smooth sugar market with deterrence to commodity hoarders from any speculative transactions. Besides, it will also provide real-time data on sugar stocks and help the Government to make further policy decisions, as and when the need arises, to mitigate the impact of rumors of rising sugar prices on consumers and the industry. The Government is also expecting cooperation from sugar mills and traders to adhere to the relevant laws and monthly domestic quota norms. It said, strict action will be taken against the mills violating the same.
 
With 83 Lakh Metric Tonnes at the end of August this year and the expected beginning of crushing in October 2023, India has sufficient stocks for domestic consumption with absolutely no shortage for festivals. In fact, the Government has released the first tranche of the domestic sales quota of 13 Lakh Metric Tonnes which sugar mills can start selling with immediate effect.

The Ministry said, more quotas will be released in due course in view of market conditions. It said, the Government is committed to ensuring sugar for domestic consumers at reasonable prices throughout the year.