The Government has decided to release additional 2.66 lakh tonne sugar in the open market for sale by August, 2012. According to a release issued by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, the Ministry has decided to convert levy sugar stock for the sugar seasons 2008-09 and 2009-10 to the extent of 2.66 lakh tonne into non-levy sugar. The Government has also amended the sale conditions relating to release of quarterly non-levy quota for June-September quarter under which a quantity of 45 lakh tonne was released.

Sugar mills have been directed to sell at least 30 percent of the non-levy sale quota in July and at least 70 percent of the quota in July and August. The remaining 30 percent to be sold off during September.