News Capsule: Sugar Stock Limits Imposed; Dealers Can Hold Sugar for Maximum 30 Days and Up to 4,000 Quintals
28-Jul-2026 04:57 PM
News Capsule: Sugar Stock Limits Imposed; Dealers Can Hold Sugar for Maximum 30 Days and Up to 4,000 Quintals
★ The Central Government has issued a new order under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and the Sugar (Control) Order, 2025 to curb hoarding and ensure adequate availability of sugar across the country. The order will remain in force from August 1, 2026 to November 30, 2026, and prescribes stock holding limits for all sugar dealers.
★ Under the order, no sugar dealer will be allowed to hold any stock for more than 30 days from the date of its receipt. In addition, a dealer cannot hold more than 4,000 quintals of sugar at any time or at any place in the country.
★ The order will not apply to sugar stocks held on Government account or to dealers nominated by State Governments or authorised officers for distribution through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
★ The Central Government has directed State Governments and Union Territory Administrations to prescribe stock holding and turnover limits within their respective jurisdictions. However, these limits cannot exceed the maximum limit of 4,000 quintals or the 30-day holding period prescribed by the Centre.
★ For the purpose of calculating the holding period, the date on which the sugar stock is received will also be counted.
★ The order also makes it mandatory for all sugar dealers to declare and regularly update their sugar stock position on the Department of Food and Public Distribution's online portal.
★ The move is aimed at preventing hoarding during the festive season, ensuring adequate sugar supplies in the market, and helping maintain price stability.