Sugar export curbs: Limit sugar exports to maintain sweetness, increase in prices will be curbed

The government has restricted the export of sugar to 10 million metric tonnes this year to maintain the availability and price stability of sugar in the country. This decision has been taken to control the retail prices in the country amid the sugar crisis in the world. The government has allowed conditional exports from June to October in special circumstances.

According to the government's notification issued late on Tuesday, the ban on exports will be effective from June 1 to October 31, 2022, or till further orders. During this, special permission will have to be taken from the Directorate of Food and Public Distribution for export.

Food Secretary Sudhanshu Pandey said that the government has taken a timely and precautionary decision to ensure adequate availability of sugar in the country.

He said that though the price of sugar is more stable as compared to other commodities, this step has been taken to check rumors and unfair price hikes. However, this year, India has overtaken Brazil to become the world's largest sugar producer and second-largest export.

huge increase in exports

There has been a tremendous increase in exports this year. As against around 50,000 metric tonnes in the year 2016-17, 10 million metric tonnes of sugar have been exported this year. Pandey said that the export of sugar has not been banned, but it has been limited. This year, the highest ever contract has been signed for the export of 90 lakh metric tonnes of sugar, out of which 82 lakh metric tonnes have been exported.

Retail Price Rs 33 to 44 per kg

At present, the price of sugar from the mill is Rs 32 to 33 per kg, while the retail price of sugar is Rs 36 to 44 per kg according to different regions of the country. This year, the wholesale price of sugar in the country has remained stable at Rs 3,150 to Rs 3500 per quintal.

Price increased by Rs 1.36 in one year

The retail price of sugar has increased by Rs 1.36 in the last year. According to data from the Department of Consumer Affairs, the retail price of sugar was Rs 40.39 per kg a year ago. It increased to Rs 41.75 per kg on May 25, 2022. Meanwhile, the price of sugar has increased continuously. It was priced at Rs 41.28 a month ago and Rs 41.64 per kg a week ago.

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