India has ample sugar stock to cater to the sweet tooth of citizens at reasonable prices
India’s food secretary dispelled reports about looming sugar shortage in the country as a ‘rumor’ and a government statement on Thursday said the sweetener will be available in the most populated country at reasonable prices through the year.
“Availability of sugar in the country is about 85 lakh tons as of now, which is sufficient for three and a half months of the consumption requirement of the country. We are not forcing any kind of upswing in the price in the upcoming festive season and there is some kind of a rumour being created about the shortages in the country,” said Food Secretary Sanjiv Chopra.
This comes amid widespread concerns that sugar production may be low in the country, which is the world’s second-largest sugar producer and a major exporter. There were also reports that the government may consider banning sugar exports to control potential price spike amid supply shortages. Output in Maharashtra, India’s top sugar producing state, is also feared to hit the lowest in four years.
The Department of Food and Public Distribution from Ministry of Consumer Affairs on Thursday said that timely measures by New Delhi have ensured sufficient availability of sugar at reasonable prices across states for the whole year.
As the current Sugar Season (Oct-Sep) 2022-23 is coming to an end on September 30, India has already crossed sugar production of 330 LMT excluding diversion of about 43 LMT for ethanol production. Thus, total sucrose production in the country would be about 373 LMT which is second highest in last 5 sugar seasons, added the official statement.