Government allows duty-free sugar imports till 31st December
January 13, 2010
The Indian government on Wednesday allowed import of refined sugar at zero duty up to 31st December in the wake of prices nearing Rs50 per kg in the retail market, reports PTI.
The Cabinet Committee on Prices (CCP) also decided to permit Uttar Pradesh (UP) mills to process imported raw sugar outside the state due to restrictions there.
Earlier, the government had allowed white sugar imports till 31st March this year.
Expecting states to play a more active role in containing rising food prices, prime minister Manmohan Singh will review the situation with various chief ministers later this month.
Food inflation is near 20%, while sugar is inching near Rs50 per kg in the retail market.
The prime minister would also review the implementation of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, for reining in food prices, agriculture minister Sharad Pawar said.
The state government led by Mayawati is refusing to allow mills to process imported raw sugar in UP despite repeated requests from the Union government.
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