The government on Thursday tightened the stock holding limit for sugar dealers to 1,000 quintals. The new limit applies from October 15 to November 30. Dealers will also be allowed to hold stock for only 15 days from the date of receipt. The move aims to keep sugar supplies moving and prevent hoarding during the festive season. An exception has been made for Kolkata and its extended metropolitan areas and Assam. Dealers there can hold up to 2,000 quintals, given the region’s supply and transport needs. Retail sugar prices have already fallen about 15 per cent from their August peak. Ex-mill prices have declined by around 28 per cent and are hovering between 4,500 and 4,800 rupees per quintal. Retail prices stand at about 56 rupees per kg. The food ministry said the government expects retail prices to ease further as lower ex-mill prices pass through the supply chain. Sugar mills have been advised to start crushing as per regional conditions.