Srinagar, Jan 16: The unrelenting increase in sugar prices in India has not left the local markets here unaffected. The sugar in the local markets here is presently sold at as high as Rs 50 to Rs 55 a kg.
 While the soaring prices have put the consumers to a lot of trouble, the local shopkeepers/dealers complain sharp fall in sales.
 Many customers said that because of the high prices of sugar in the open market, government should have enhanced the stock of sugar under public distribution. “But the plight is that many of the PDS shops in the city have no sugar stocks,” they said.
 Customers said the government should check the practice of hoarding, profiteering and black marketing by some unscrupulous dealers/shopkeepers.
 “We fail to understand why the government is not taking any action against the hoarders and profiteers,” they questioned.

Shopkeepers say:
 However, many shopkeepers said during past over couple of months, the sales of sugar had decreased considerably in the Valley. “With increase in sugar prices, our sales have been affected largely. People now prefer to purchase sugar from the ration stores rather than our shops,” said Manzoor Ahmad, proprietor, Bismillah Provision Store at Hazratbal here.
 “The increased prices have definitely affected our sales, which even otherwise remain low during the winter season, when we lose several customers to Jammu due to Darbar Move,” said Muhammad Muzaffar at Subhana and Sons. 
 The shopkeepers said the prices of sugar had increased considerably over past three months in the Valley. The prices, they said, that were ranging between Rs 30 and 35 in September 2009, have now exceeded Rs 50 per kg. They said the prices of packed sugar had increased more as compared to that of lose, adding that many customers who earlier preferred packed sugar had now switched over to lose sugar.
  “Only two months back, packed sugar was sold at Rs 40 per kg, where as now it is sold at Rs 54. Besides, lose sugar is sold at Rs 40 to 45,” said Manzoor.
  “The prices of packed sugar have especially increased. We are selling packed sugar at Rs 50 per kg,” seconded Muzaffar.
  “We sell packed sugar at Rs 49 and lose sugar at Rs 43 per kg,” said Mehmood Ahmad, proprietor Jaan General Store at Regal Chowk here.
 To mention, the sugar prices have seen alarming increase across the country. Union food minister Sharad Pawar, however, on Wednesday said the prices will come down in next 10 to 15 days.
 Many shopkeepers said sugar stocks were now piling up in their shops, so they were not placing more orders for now.
 Despite repeated calls, director Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution did not pick up his phone.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 16 Jan 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 16 Jan 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:00:00 IST