New Delhi, Oct. 1 -- The government has tightened sugar stockholding norms for dealers ahead of the festive season, halving the permissible stock to 1,000 quintals and the holding period to 15 days, in a bid to curb hoarding and ensure adequate supplies to consumers during the peak festive season beginning 11 October.

The revised norms will take effect from 15 October and remain in force until 30 November, the ministry of consumer affairs, food and public distribution said in a statement on Thursday. Dealers will not be allowed to hold sugar for more than 15 days from the date of receipt or keep stocks exceeding 1,000 quintals at any location at any given time, it said.

The move is aimed at keeping sugar prices in check at a time when d...