The government's move to allow export of 10,000 tons of sugar to the European Union has drawn flak from political parties, including the Congress.

Officially the Congress sought to distance itself from centre's decision saying it was not aware of the move and only the ministry concerned would reply to it. "If there is such a move, the rationale behind it would have to be seen. Agriculture minister is the authoritative person to speak on it or the officials," party spokesman Manish Tewari told reporters here.

Party sources, however, said if such a decision has been taken it will further lead to inflation and shortage of sugar in the market.

"We are yet to examine it as no official communication has come. But if media reports are correct, it will adversely affect the fight against inflation and further fuel inflationary trend. This is not the right time for such a decision," a senior party leader said.

The BJP criticised the government move. "The government's decision to export 10,000 tonnes of sugar to the EU at a time when its prices have gone up by 58.96 per cent in a year, shows complete lack of coordination among its departments, party spokesman Rajiv Pratap Rudy said.

The government had, on Monday, allowed export of 10,000 tons of sugar to the EU for the fiscal 2009-10.