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Lucknow, UttarPradesh : Despite adequate sugar availability in Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi government has intensified measures to curb black-marketing and hoarding. While reviewing sugar availability and storage, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to ensure that no trader stores sugar for more than 30 days.
He stated that dealers holding stocks exceeding 400 tonnes at any given time would face strict action, including measures under ESMA (Essential Services Maintenance Act). The state currently holds a sugar stock of 179.38 lakh quintals.
It is worth noting that sugar prices across the country have spiraled out of control ahead of the festive season. Over the past month, retail sugar prices have surged from ₹48.18 to ₹65 per kilogram—an increase of approximately ₹17 per kilogram. In some retail locations, the price has even reached ₹70 per kilogram. Concerned by this, the government is working on three fronts to control prices.
Imports are being utilized to boost market supply, while stock limits and enhanced monitoring are being implemented to curb hoarding. Efforts are also underway to start crushing operations early in the sugarcane season to increase production. The objective is to ensure sufficient sugar availability in the market until the new harvest arrives, thereby easing price pressure. Meanwhile, the Central Government has denied that its ethanol policy is responsible for the spike in sugar prices.
The government has also stated that there is sufficient stock to meet domestic demand until crushing operations begin in October; however, the sharp rise in prices suggests a potential stock shortage. To prevent hoarding, a stock limit of 400 tonnes has been imposed on traders until November 30. Additionally, starting September 1, bulk consumers will be prohibited from holding stocks exceeding their consumption requirements for 15 days.
Joint teams comprising central and state officials will conduct physical verification of stocks at sugar mills to curb hoarding. One million tonnes of sugar will be imported duty-free to boost immediate market supply. Demand rises between August and November due to festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra, and Diwali. Meanwhile, the new crushing season is set to begin in October. Given this, the next month and a half to two months are crucial for the market.
Report – Abhijit Tushar Bhatt (Political Editor)
