Centre Cuts Sugar Stock Holding Period Ahead of Festive Season
Stock holding period for sugar dealers reduced to 15 days and stock holding limit fixed at 1,000 quintals from October 15 to November 30
UdaipurTimes, Oct 1, 2026 - With the commencement of the new sugar season, the central government has further strengthened measures to ensure adequate availability of sugar to consumers at reasonable prices during the festive season.
The stock holding period for sugar dealers has been reduced to 15 days and stock holding limit fixed at 1,000 quintals, with effect from October 15, 2026, to November 30, 2026. This is across the country except in Kolkata and its extended metropolitan areas as well as Assam, as per a government press release.
Under the revised provisions a sugar dealer shall:
- Not hold sugar stock for a period exceeding 15 days from the date of receipt of such stock.
- Not hold sugar stock exceeding 1,000 quintals at any time and at any place across the country.
- Considering the specific market requirements of the region, the stock holding limit has been fixed at 2,000 quintals for Kolkata and its extended metropolitan areas and the State of Assam.
Kolkata sources sugar from Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka and supplies it to the eastern part of the country, including the northeast. The higher limit for Assam has been provided keeping in view geographical constraints, transportation logistics and consumer interest in the northeastern region.
Meanwhile, average retail sugar prices have declined by 15 per cent from their August peak and are expected to decline further as the benefit of lower ex-mill prices passes through the supply chain. Ex-mill sugar prices have declined by approximately 28 per cent and have remained stable over the last three weeks.
