Lucknow, Aug. 23 -- Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday reviewed the state's sugar stock and directed officials to prevent hoarding and black marketing, asserting that Uttar Pradesh had adequate sugar supplies and there was no need for consumers to panic. His assurance comes amid reports of rising sugar prices and availability coming under scrutiny ahead of the festive season.

As much as 179.38 lakh quintals (17.94 lakh tonnes) of sugar is currently available with sugar mills in the state, the chief minister was informed at the meeting. This includes 23.60 lakh quintals with cooperative mills, 5.28 lakh quintals with corporation mills and 150.50 lakh quintals with private mills.

Yogi said sugar mills should be restarted from Octobe...