Patna, Aug 20: Sugar prices in Bihar have jumped by ₹20 per kg in just six days, prompting the state government to intensify checks on stocks and warn traders of strict action against hoarding and black marketing.
Retail sugar prices in Patna rose from ₹50 per kg on August 14 to ₹70 per kg on August 20. Prices climbed steadily during the period, touching ₹52 on August 15, ₹55 on August 16, ₹58 on August 17, ₹60 on August 18 and ₹65 on August 19.
The sharp increase has raised concerns among consumers, particularly ahead of the festive season, as traders warned that prices could rise further if production and supply conditions do not improve.
Ramesh Chandra Talreja, general secretary of the Bihar Retailers Federation, said sugar supplied to the Patna market comes from North Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
“The main reasons for the price increase are poor sugarcane yields, fears of drought, and market rumours,” Talreja said.
The state government, however, has maintained that adequate sugar stocks are available and warned traders against creating an artificial shortage.
Sugarcane Industries Minister Sanjay Kumar said strict action would be taken against traders found violating the prescribed stockholding limit.
“An FIR will be filed if sugar traders are found to have stocks exceeding 400 tonnes,” Kumar said.
The minister also asserted that “adequate sugar stocks are available with the state’s operational sugar mills”, adding that attempts to manipulate availability would not be tolerated.
“Attempts to create an artificial shortage will not be tolerated,” the government warned.
The Centre’s 400-tonne stockholding limit for sugar traders came into force nationwide on August 1 and will remain applicable until November 30, 2026.
To ensure compliance, Sugarcane Industries Department Secretary Dharmendra Singh has directed the district magistrates of West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Samastipur and Sitamarhi to conduct physical verification of sugar stocks.
Joint inspection teams comprising a senior Deputy Collector and a Sugarcane Officer will inspect stocks held by sugar mills and traders and monitor sugar sales.
The department has also directed sugar mills to regulate their stocks, with the remaining sugar allowed to be retained on their premises for a maximum of seven days after sale.
Officials have been asked to initiate strict legal action against traders or mills violating stock limits or attempting to create an artificial shortage.
The government said the inspection drive is aimed at ensuring adequate sugar reaches the market and preventing illegal stockpiling and unnecessary price escalation.
