Govt. allows duty-free import of sugar till 31 December
merisarkar news service
New Delhi, January 13, 2010
Sugar Shipments from Brazil (File)
The government on Monday decided to allow the duty free import of refined sugar up to December 31 this year. Govt also decided to import 5.4 million tonnes of raw sugar to meet the demand of sugar ahead of marriage season beginning from March this year.
The Cabinet Committee on Prices (CCP) also decided to permit UP mills to process imported raw sugar outside the state due to restrictions there.
Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar blamed non-cooperation from Uttar Pradesh's Mayawati government for the current surge in the sugar prices.
After the CCP meeting Sharad Pawar told the reporters that despite repeated requests from Central government UP Chief Minister Mayawati does not allow the sugar mills located in UP to process the imported raw sugar.
Sharad Pawar also said that the in order to bring the retail prices of sugar the central government has advised several state governments to remove the value added tax (VAT).
Sharad Pawar also requested sugar mill owners to bring down the prices in the wholesale market.
He expressed the hope that the sugar prices would be eased in 8-10 days due to these measures and Prime Minister would review the situation later this month.
