In a major relief for consumers ahead of the festive season, sugar supplies across western Uttar Pradesh have stabilized with strong warehouse reserves. Official figures show that the total sugar stock in the Saharanpur division has reached 10.08 lakh quintals. This inventory covers key sugarcane-producing districts including Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, and Shamli along with adjacent areas. With demand expected to rise sharply during upcoming festivities like Diwali, authorities are closely monitoring market availability to prevent any supply bottlenecks.
Retail Prices Drop from Previous Peaks
Households had previously felt the heat of rising food inflation when local retail sugar prices spiked to Rs 65 per kg. However, market conditions have since improved, leading to a notable reduction in retail rates. Sugar is currently selling at around Rs 50 to Rs 51 per kg in retail markets, bringing much needed relief to festive shoppers preparing traditional sweets.
New Crushing Season to Boost Fresh Production
The sugarcane department expects sugar mills across the region to begin their crushing operations prior to Diwali. As crushing commences, fresh sugar production will immediately start reaching the market, expanding the existing stock beyond the current 10.08 lakh quintals. Officials emphasize that the combination of strong reserve stocks and incoming fresh output will comfortably absorb the surge in consumer demand, eliminating any risk of a shortage.
Administrative Assurance and Crackdown on Hoarding
Deputy Cane Commissioner Om Prakash Singh stated that adequate sugar supplies will be maintained throughout the Diwali period and beyond. He ruled out any immediate threat of price hikes and assured the public of steady market availability. To protect consumer interests, the sugarcane department has warned traders against hoarding or creating artificial scarcity, confirming that strict legal action will be taken against violators to keep market prices stable.
