Mills in South may get nod to import sugar at low duty

India will soon allow import of 300,000 tonnes of raw sugar at a concessional rate of 25 per cent duty against a normal 40 per cent for sugar-starved mills in the southern states. The price of the sweetener in south is ~2-2.50 higher than in Maharashtra.

Union Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Ramvilas Paswan on Monday tweeted that India would soon decide on importing sugar. But, he did not share details of the quantum of imports to be allowed or the duty rates to be imposed. However, sources close to development said, “The south Indian mills would get permission to import 300,000 tonnes of raw sugar, refine it and sell by mid-October.”