Government amends sugar storage norms to curb hoarding during festive season

Indian Government Amends Sugar Storage Norms via Food Safety Ministry

The Indian government has amended the sugar storage norms through its Food Safety Ministry this month, a move seen as a step to protect consumers' interests especially during the festive season. Under the latest rules, traders who stock both imported and domestic sugar will now be required to maintain strict record‑keeping and undergo periodic inspections. Additionally, the government has set a limit on the stocking period, preventing merchants from storing sugar indefinitely.

The aim of these changes is to curb unnecessary hoarding in the market, which often leads to unwarranted price hikes during the festive season. A spokesperson from the Food Safety and Nutrition Board said, “Our primary goal is to ensure that consumers have access to sugar at timely and reasonable prices. Clear rules on stocking will maintain market equilibrium and reduce the burden on consumers.”

The government has also appealed for special attention to the quality and shelf life of sugar during stocking. The new rules include specific temperature and humidity control requirements for storage facilities. This will not only prevent hoarding but also safeguard against deterioration of sugar quality. The industry has given mixed reactions to the move; some traders said inspection costs would rise, while consumer groups viewed it as a positive step. The government assures that these changes will be reviewed periodically and adjusted in line with actual market needs.