Sugar trade could come to a standstill in Maharashtra from Wednesday as traders at the Vashi wholesale sugar market join an indefinite strike called by the traders association against the local body tax. With transporters also joining the strike, there will be no loading or unloading of sugar, leading to a total halt.

Federation of Associations of Maharashtra President Mohan Gurnani said, “A meeting of the all the associations members will be held on Wednesday in Mumbai to decide on futures course of action”.

On Tuesday, sugar prices advanced for the second consecutive day on higher retail demand in view of the strike from Wednesday Higher lifting demand at producing centres, resulted in shortage of trucks and pushed up freight charges by Rs 10-15 a bag.

In the spot market, prices rose by Rs 20-28, while at Naka level, prices were up by Rs 20-30.

Mill tender rates were up by Rs 10-20. Prices in the futures market were range-bound.

Sources said Vashi sugar markets currently carries 120-130 truckloads stocks.

Arrivals were about 63-64 truck loads and local off take was higher at 68-70 truckloads on Tuesday.

On Monday evening, 18-20 mills offered tenders and sold 70,000-75,000 bags at Rs 2,910-2,990 (Rs 2,900-2,970) for S-grade and Rs 3,000-3,060 (Rs 2,980-3,060) for M-grade.

On the National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange, sugar June futures were at Rs 2,968 (Rs 2,969), July contracts were Rs 2,999 (Rs 2,997) and August was Rs 3,037 (Rs3,027) till noon. The Bombay Sugar Merchants Association's spot rates were (Rs/quintal): S-grade Rs 3,100– 3,175 (Rs 3,072– 3,171) and M-grade Rs 3,202- 3,381 (Rs 3,200- 3,361).Naka delivery rates: S-grade Rs 3,040 - 3,170 (Rs 3,020-3,050) and M-grade Rs 3,110 – 3,200 (Rs 3,080-3,180).