Mandatory To Disclose Stock Position Of Sugar For THESE People, Says Government

The government has said that this mandatory weekly stock disclosure for these entities is another proactive step in Government of India`s efforts to maintain a balanced and fair sugar market.

New Delhi: The central government has said that it will be mandatory for Traders/Wholesalers, Retailers, Big Chain Retailers, Processors to disclose weekly sugar stocks.

"Government of India has been successfully maintaining stable retail price of sugar in the country. As a proactive measure to combat hoarding and curb unscrupulous speculation in the sugar market Government has issued orders to mandatory disclose stock position of sugar for Traders/Wholesaler, Retailer, Big Chain Retailer, Processors of Sugar on the portal (https://esugar.nic.in) of Department of Food and PD on every Monday," said the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution in a release.

This mandatory weekly stock disclosure for these entities is another proactive step in Government of India's efforts to maintain a balanced and fair sugar market. By preventing hoarding and speculation, GoI is aiming to ensure that sugar remains affordable for all consumers. This proactive measure empowers regulatory authorities to closely monitor stock levels and take prompt action against any potential market manipulation, it added.

The Consumer Affairs said that this fully digital initiative will facilitate smooth sugar market with deterrence to commodity hoarders from any speculative transactions. Besides, it will also provide real-time data on sugar stocks and help the Government to make further policy decisions, as and when need arises, to mitigate the impact of rumours of rising sugar prices on consumers and the industry.

"Further, Government is also expecting cooperation from sugar mills and traders to adhere to the relevant laws and monthly domestic quota norms. Strict action will be taken against the mills violating the same. With 83 LMT at the end of August 2023 and expected beginning of crushing in Oct 2023, India has sufficient stocks for domestic consumption with absolutely no shortage for festivals. In fact, Government has released first tranche of domestic sales quota of 13 LMT also which sugar mills can start selling with immediate effect. More quota will be released in due course in view of market conditions," said the release.