Traders criticize hike in import duty on sugar.

ALLAHABAD: Trader associations of the city have flayed the decision of the central government of increasing the import duty on sugar from 15% to 40% on Tuesday. They claimed that the decision would lead to a increase of sugar prices by Rs 3 to 4 per kg.

A meeting of the members of trader association, Vyapari Ekta Samiti, was organised at its Ram Bhawan Crossing office to review the impact of hike in import duty on sugar following the decision.

Addressing the meeting on the occasion, Samiti president, Vijay Gupta said, "To help the sugar mill owners, the government had resorted to such a hike. Sugar being one of the products imported here, the price rise will definitely have an adverse impact on the budget of the common man. After the sudden hike in passenger fare of railways, the BJP-led government is giving one another jolt to the people."

Trader Ram Prasad Yadav said the government should revoke the decision and claimed that in the wake of weak monsoon, the sugar price will further surge. "The local sugar prices has started rising immediately after the announcement and are likely to rise further if monsoon rains stay weak as predicted in the next few weeks," added Yadav.

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com