Joint Inspection Drive to Assess Sugar Stocks in Maharashtra

28-Aug-2026 12:00 PM

Mumbai: The Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection Department of Maharashtra has directed all district administrations in the state to conduct a joint drive for the physical verification of sugar stocks held by dealers, distributors, traders, and bulk buyers. The objective is to ascertain whether these stocks comply with the limits prescribed by the Central Government.

Maharashtra is a leading sugar-producing state. After a sharp surge, ex-factory prices and wholesale market rates have begun to soften. Stockists and bulk buyers are no longer showing much interest in purchasing sugar from mills at high prices.

According to a circular issued by the Food Corporation, the Maharashtra government has issued guidelines in accordance with two notifications announced by the Central Government. The first notification set a maximum limit on sugar stocks, while the second mandated the sale of stocks within a specified timeframe. Additionally, the Centre finalized a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure the physical verification of sugar stocks held by traders.

The surge in sugar prices has now been largely curbed. While ex-factory prices and wholesale market rates have started to soften or stabilize, retail prices have not seen a significant decline. It is expected that retail sugar prices will also come down soon.