Centre caps sugar dealers' stock at 1,000 quintals and 15 days from 15 October 2026
On 1 October 2026, the start of the new sugar season, the Centre limited sugar dealers to 1,000 quintals of stock held for no more than 15 days, from 15 October to 30 November 2026 (2,000 quintals for Kolkata and Assam).
Summary
The Department of Food and Public Distribution revised sugar stock holding norms to prevent hoarding during the festive season. From 15 October to 30 November 2026, a dealer cannot hold sugar for more than 15 days from receipt or more than 1,000 quintals at any time; Kolkata (with its extended metropolitan area) and Assam get a higher limit of 2,000 quintals. The ministry said retail sugar prices had fallen 15% and ex-mill prices around 28%.
Key facts
- Stock limit
- 1,000 quintals per dealer
- Holding period
- Max 15 days from receipt
- Period
- 15 October – 30 November 2026
- Exception
- Kolkata & extended metro area and Assam: 2,000 quintals
- Sugar season starts
- 1 October
- Prices
- Retail down 15%, ex-mill down ~28%
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Under the revised norms announced on 1 October 2026, what is the maximum sugar stock a dealer can hold (outside Kolkata and Assam) from 15 October to 30 November 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1,000 quintals
A dealer shall not hold sugar stock exceeding 1,000 quintals; the limit is 2,000 quintals for Kolkata and Assam.
Consider the following statements about the sugar stock norms of October 2026: 1. A dealer cannot hold sugar for more than 15 days from receipt. 2. A higher limit of 2,000 quintals applies to Kolkata (with its extended metropolitan area) and Assam. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
The holding period is cut to 15 days, and Kolkata with its extended metropolitan areas and Assam get a 2,000-quintal limit.