The Government has reduced the stock holding limit for sugar dealers from four thousand quintals to two thousand quintals effective from the 15th of this month till the 30th of November this year. The new stock limit is aimed to curb hoarding and speculative trading, protect consumer interest by ensuring adequate availability and price stability. At present, a stock holding limit of four thousand quintals on sugar dealers across the country is effective from 1st of August this year. Under the amended provisions a sugar dealer shall not hold any stock for a period exceeding 30 days from the date of receipt of such stock. The sugar dealer shall not also keep sugar in stock at any time and in any place throughout the country in excess of two thousand quintals. However, the stock holding limit shall remain at four thousand quintals for Kolkata and its extended metropolitan areas considering the specific market requirements of the region.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said that the Kolkata area is sourcing sugar from Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra and supplying to the eastern part of the country, including the North-Eastern region. Therefore, the existing limit of four thousand quintals has been retained for Kolkata and its extended metropolitan areas.
The Government has assured consumers that it is taking all necessary steps to maintain adequate availability, orderly supplies and price stability of sugar in the domestic market, while ensuring that genuine trade and distribution activities continue without disruption.
