Government steps curb sugar hoarding, prices ease across the country

New Delhi – In a bid to prevent hoarding and stabilize the sugar market, the central government announced tighter controls on dealer inventories. The new framework reduces the permissible holding period to 15 days and limits stock to 1,000 quintals per dealer, with an extended limit of 2,000 quintals for Kolkata and Assam.

Since the introduction of these controls, retail sugar prices have dropped about 15 per cent from their August peak, and ex‑mill prices have fallen roughly 28 per cent, staying flat for the last three weeks.

Officials say the policy is already delivering results, as the lower ex‑mill cost is expected to flow through the distribution chain, delivering further relief to consumers. The measures will remain in force from 15 October to 30 November 2026, providing a short‑term window to reset market dynamics.