Sugar quota: Centre releases 1.4 million tonnes, cuts dealer stock limit
Why in the news
On 13 October 2026 the Centre released an additional sugar sale quota and enforced a tighter stock limit on dealers, aiming to curb prices ahead of Diwali. The quota came two days earlier than scheduled.
Key facts
- Mill quota: 1.4 million tonnes for domestic sale during 13-31 October.
- Importers: an extra 200,000 tonnes allotted.
- Issuing body: Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD).
- Top states: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka together got about 83% of the mill quota.
- Prices: ex-mill rates rose by nearly ₹1,000 per quintal in about 10 days; the all-India average retail price was ₹56.67 per kg on 13 October.
- Exclusions: Kolkata and its extended metropolitan areas, and Assam.
Dealer stock limits
| Phase | Limit | Holding period |
|---|---|---|
| From 1 August 2026 | 4,000 quintals | 30 days |
| From 15 September 2026 | 2,000 quintals | – |
| 15 October to 30 November 2026 | 1,000 quintals | 15 days |
About the monthly sugar quota
The Centre decides how much sugar each mill may sell in the domestic market every month. Earlier releases were 2.65 million tonnes for September and 3 million tonnes for October. The stock limits cap how much sugar a dealer may hold and for how long.
Exam angle
- Sugar quota and stock limits are supply-side tools used to control food inflation.
- The quota order and the stock limit gazette notification were both issued by DFPD.
- Remember the new limit: 1,000 quintals, 15-day holding period.