The Government of India has revised sugar stock holding norms, reducing the maximum holding period for dealers to 15 days and setting a stock limit of 1,000 quintals from October 15 to November 30, 2026. The move comes as the new sugar season begins on October 1 and is aimed at maintaining supplies during the festive season.
According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the revised limits will apply across the country, except Kolkata and its extended metropolitan areas and Assam, where dealers can hold up to 2,000 quintals.
New Sugar Stock Limits From October 15
Under the revised rules, dealers cannot retain sugar for more than 15 days from the date they receive the stock. They will also be prohibited from holding more than 1,000 quintals at any time and at any location across the country.
The higher 2,000-quintal limit for Kolkata and Assam has been provided because Kolkata sources sugar from Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka and supplies the eastern and North-Eastern regions. The government cited geographical conditions and transportation logistics as reasons for the higher limit.
The government said the revised norms are intended to prevent excessive accumulation of sugar within the distribution chain, discourage speculative trading and curb hoarding. It has also asked wholesalers and retailers to pass on lower sugar prices to consumers.
Retail Sugar Prices Fall 15%
The government said average retail sugar prices have fallen 15% from their August peak, while ex-mill sugar prices have declined by approximately 28% and remained stable for the past three weeks.
Sugar mills have been advised to begin crushing operations based on agro-climatic conditions in their respective regions. The Union Government will also continue monitoring the impact of uneven and deficient rainfall linked to El Niño conditions on sugarcane in some producing regions.
The government said it will take necessary measures to maintain a balance between domestic sugar availability, consumer interests and the interests of sugarcane farmers.
Q1. What are the new sugar stock holding norms? Sugar dealers cannot hold sugar for more than 15 days or keep more than 1,000 quintals at any time from October 15, 2026.
Q2. What is the sugar stock limit in Kolkata and Assam? The stock holding limit is 2,000 quintals for Kolkata and its extended metropolitan areas and for Assam.
Q3. When will the revised sugar stock rules take effect? The revised limits will take effect on October 15, 2026, and remain applicable until November 30, 2026.
Q4. How much have retail sugar prices declined? Average retail sugar prices have declined 15% from their August peak.
Q5. How much have ex-mill sugar prices fallen? Ex-mill sugar prices have declined by approximately 28% and have remained stable over the last three weeks.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
