Prices of sugar fell in the key wholesale markets of Maharashtra due to sluggish demand from bulk buyers. Mills are quoting lower prices to trigger demand as crushing is expected to start earlier than usual in 2017-18 (Oct-Sep). Sugar mills in Maharashtra have, however, sought compensation of 500 rupees per tonne from the central government for the likely losses they would incur due to lower sugar recovery rate because of early crushing of sugarcane. However, Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Aug 12 said that the government has no plans to allow further imports of sugar yet.