Sugar Price Hike: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has raised questions on the Central Government regarding the rising prices of sugar. He said that on one hand sugar is becoming expensive in the country and on the other hand there is a need for import from abroad. The government, however, has denied that ethanol production is responsible for the increase in prices.
Price of sugar up to Rs 70 per kg in many cities
Sugar prices have increased rapidly in many parts of the country. The government has approved duty free import of 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar till October 31 to increase the supply in the market. According to experts, low production, impact of weather on sugarcane crop and increased demand before festivals are the major reasons for the increase in prices. In many cities of the country, the price of sugar is said to be Rs 70 per kg. In the last 3 months, the prices have increased by about 40% i.e. ₹ 19 per kg.
Political debate intensifies regarding sugar
Decrease in the recovery rate from sugarcane is also being considered as the reason behind the decline in sugar production. At the same time, under the ethanol policy, some part of sugarcane is being used in fuel production, due to which the political debate has intensified.
Decision taken to import raw sugar
The government says that the increase in sugar prices is the result of several reasons. According to the Food Ministry, reduction in domestic production, international market conditions and increase in demand are the main reasons for this. The government has claimed that the quantity of sugar used for ethanol is limited. India is among the major sugar producing countries of the world. To meet domestic needs, the government has decided to import raw sugar after a long time.