Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 23 (ANI): Authorities in Varanasi on Sunday said sufficient sugar stocks are available in the district and across Uttar Pradesh, asserting that there is no shortage of sugar in the market and urging consumers to purchase the commodity as per their requirements from the open market.

Additional District Magistrate (Civil Supply) Amit Kumar Bhartiya said officials and employees of the Food and Logistics Department are regularly monitoring sugar availability and regulating prices in the market.

The administration also directed wholesale and retail traders in the district to regularly report their available sugar stocks on the portal of the Ministry of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India.

Authorities warned that strict action would be taken under the Essential Commodities Act against any individual or trader found involved in hoarding or black marketing of sugar.

Action would also be taken against those attempting to create an artificial shortage or spread misinformation regarding sugar availability.

The assurance comes amid a recent rise in retail sugar prices. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution on Friday said retail sugar prices increased from Rs 48.18 per kg on July 20 to Rs 55.70 per kg on August 20, attributing the rise to a combination of factors.

'It is incorrect to attribute the recent increase in sugar prices to diversion of sugar for ethanol production,' the Ministry noted, explaining that the share of sugar diverted for ethanol declined from around 12 per cent in 2022-23 to around 9 per cent in 2025-26, while nearly three-fourths of the country's ethanol output now originates from grains, particularly maize.

The government attributed the price rise to lower-than-expected domestic production, increased demand ahead of the festive season, weather-related damage to the sugarcane crop, tightening global supplies and speculation and hoarding. (ANI)