Dhanbad: A steep rise in sugar prices has begun straining household budgets in Dhanbad as well, with retail rates climbing by nearly Rs 20 per kg over the past month. Consumers are worried as sugar is widely used in tea, sweets and food preparations.Anuradha Gupta, a Hirapur resident, said the increase would directly affect monthly household expenses. Sugar is consumed regularly in almost every home, she said, adding that inflation in essential commodities could make daily life harder for ordinary families.The rise is also affecting businesses. Jaiprakash Chaurasia, proprietor of a sweet shop, said prices had not been revised yet, but shops could find it difficult to maintain existing rates if sugar becomes costlier. Prices of sweets and other sugar-based products may eventually rise, while tea stall operators are also facing higher input costs.Amid fears of further escalation, the district administration has intensified monitoring to curb hoarding. The food, public distribution and consumer affairs department has directed district authorities to enforce stock limits strictly.Dhanbad deputy commissioner Aditya Ranjan said large consumers would be monitored and action taken against those exceeding prescribed limits.Consumers using 10 tonnes or more a month cannot hold stocks beyond 15 days’ consumption. The order, covering confectioners, soft drink makers, food processors, sweet shops and institutional buyers, will remain in force from Sept 1 to Nov 30.Sugar mills must submit buyer-wise sales details for Aug 17 to 19. GST returns and purchase records will be checked to assess consumption.
