Sugar prices have increased by more than 20 rupees per kilogram in the last 20 days, putting pressure on common people and sweet makers in West Bengal. The Central and State governments are now stepping in to control rising rates and stop black marketing before the festival season.
A special monitoring campaign will run across West Bengal from September 1 to November 30.
The Union Ministry of Food and Public Distribution has sent a letter to the state chief secretary to monitor sugar stock and supply closely. Central teams may also join state officers for inspections if needed.
Large businesses and sweet makers cannot store more than 10 metric tons of sugar or keep stock for more than 15 days at a time.
Officers must visit and check the storage locations of big companies and drink makers. Breaking these rules can lead to at least three months in jail and financial fines.
