New Delhi: Amidst the continuous increase in sugar prices across the country, the Central Government has changed the rules related to import of raw sugar. The government has changed the sale deadline for TRQ (tariff rate quota) import of 10 lakh metric tonnes of raw sugar. Now importers will not have to wait for a pre-determined last date, but a different deadline will apply for each consignment.
What is the new rule of the government?
According to the government order, the raw sugar imported under TRQ will have to be refined and sold in the domestic market as white sugar within two months from the date of filing the bill of entry by the importer.
Earlier, a uniform cut-off date of October 31, 2026 was set for selling imported raw sugar. In the new rule, changing this system, a separate time limit of two months has been fixed for each consignment.
Sugar became costlier by Rs 7.52 per kg in a month
According to data from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, the retail price of sugar on July 20, 2026 was Rs 48.18 per kg. By August 20, its price increased to Rs 55.70 per kg.
In this way, the price of sugar has increased by Rs 7.52 per kg in a month, i.e. about 15.6 percent. This sharp rise in prices is directly impacting the household budget of common families.
How much is the sugar stock in India?
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has expressed concern over the rising prices of sugar and reduction in production. According to him, El Nino conditions have affected the sugarcane crop. Its impact is not limited to India only, but agricultural production, especially sugar production, has also been affected in many parts of the world.
According to the Union Minister, the annual sugar requirement in India is around 280 lakh tonnes, while the country has an additional stock of more than 20-25 lakh tonnes.
Why is this decision of the government important?
The purpose of the system of quickly refining imported raw sugar and making it available in the domestic market is to maintain supply in the market amid the sharp increase in retail prices of sugar. By fixing a time limit of two months for each consignment, there will be less scope for holding the imported raw sugar for a long time.
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