This is a big decision of the Central Government, new rules will be implemented from August 1

New Delhi. The Central Government has taken a big decision with the aim of controlling the prices of sugar in the country and stopping hoarding. The government has issued instructions saying that the maximum limit for holding stock for sugar dealers will be fixed from August 1, 2026 to November 30, 2026. During this period, no dealer will be able to store sugar more than the prescribed limit. The government believes that this step will stop attempts to create artificial shortage in the market and sugar will be available to consumers at a reasonable price.

Stock limit and storage period fixed

According to the order issued by the Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs, no sugar dealer will be allowed to keep a stock of more than 4,000 quintals of sugar. Also, no stock can be held for more than 30 days. Following these rules will be mandatory from August 1. However, this arrangement will not apply to government stores under the Public Distribution System (PDS) or stocks held with government authorized agencies.

Preparation to keep prices stable

This decision of the government has come at a time when there is uncertainty regarding the monsoon and there is a possibility of increasing pressure on the prices of food items. Earlier, the Central Government has also banned the export of sugar, so that there is adequate availability in the domestic market and there is no unnecessary increase in prices. The objective of the government is to ensure that no artificial shortage is created in the market and the common consumers are not burdened with additional inflation.

Instructions given to states also

The Center has asked state governments and Union Territory administrations to monitor sugar trade in their respective areas and set stock limits as per requirement. However, state governments will not be able to grant relaxation beyond the maximum limit and period decided by the Centre. This will help in implementing a uniform system across the country and effective enforcement of rules.