Lucknow, Aug. 25 -- The Uttar Pradesh Sugar Mills Association (UPSMA) on Tuesday rejected claims that diversion of sugar for the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme was responsible for the recent rise in sugar prices, saying the allegations were not supported by facts.
The association said the quantity of sugar being used for ethanol production had declined over the past few years, while Uttar Pradesh continued to be the country's largest supplier of ethanol. It also said all member mills had adequate sugar stocks and there was no shortage at the mill level.
UPSMA expressed concern over reports and public apprehensions regarding sugar availability amid rising prices, rejecting claims of artificial scarcity.
It said hoarding or unnecessary accumulation of stocks was a matter of concern and maintained that available stocks were sufficient to meet household consumption during the festival season.
The association said it was in regular contact with the state and Central governments and was working according to their directions to respond to demand and policy requirements.
Uttar Pradesh has 121 sugar mills, including 95 in the private sector, making it the country's largest sugar producer. UPSMA said its members release sugar into the market according to the monthly sale quota issued by the Department of Food and Public Distribution.
Calling reports of a possible shortage a rumour, UPSMA urged consumers and the media to avoid unverified information.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.