The government has tightened sugar stock limits for dealers from September 15, halving the maximum quantity they can hold to 200 tonnes from 400 tonnes, in another administrative measure aimed at bringing down retail prices. However, traders in Kolkata and adjoining areas have been exempted and can continue to hold up to 400 tonnes at any point.
In a July 28 gazette notification, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution imposed the stock limit under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and the Sugar (Control) Order, 2025, which is valid until November 30. Traders were given four days to liquidate stocks above the 400-tonne limit. They were also directed to sell sugar within 30 days of receiving it.
“However, considering the specific market requirements of the region, the stock holding limit shall remain at 400 tonnes for Kolkata and its extended metropolitan areas,” the Ministry of Food said in a statement.
