Sugar-Identity of Interests

December 18, 1971 THE 1971-72 sugar season started about 10 weeks ago. During this period industry pushed up ex-mill prices from about Rs 180 to over Rs 225 per quintal. The retail price increased from about Rs 2 to Rs 2.50 per kg. On December 3, the day hostilities with Pakistan broke out, the market price had dropped to Rs 221. But immediately on the declaration of the Emergency, the price rose sharply to Rs 228. This increase evoked criticism in public, press and Parliament. What has to be grasped, however, is that the government itself is responsible for the upward trend in prices .since the start of the season.