Sugar prices rise over Rs 1 per kg for second consecutive day to Rs 65 amid festive demand
Retail sugar prices increased for a second day due to higher festive demand. Ex-mill rates have fallen significantly after the government allowed raw sugar imports. Wholesale sugar prices also saw a marginal increase on Wednesday. The government has imposed stock limits and banned exports to control prices. Sugar supply remains adequate with sufficient domestic production and opening stocks.
Sugar prices in India surged to Rs 65 per kg within two days on Wednesday, driven by heightened festive demand, according to government data. The all-India average retail price was reported at Rs 65.05 per kg, up from Rs 63.97 per kg the previous day. Despite a 20% drop in ex-mill rates following the Centre's decision to permit imports of 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar and tackle speculation, retail sugar prices remain high.
The average retail price has jumped 34% since last month and 41% compared to a year ago. The maximum retail selling price reached Rs 76 per kg, while the typical price was Rs 65 per kg. Ex-mill prices, initially dropping to Rs 55 per kg following the government's measures, have since stabilized and are expected to decline further.
Wholesale sugar prices also rose marginally to Rs 60.36 per kg. The Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association estimates India's net sugar production at around 279 lakh tonnes for the 2025-26 marketing year, with domestic demand expected to be 280-285 lakh tonnes, and 8 lakh tonnes exported before the ban.
Written by urgent.news from The Economic Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- Sugar prices rise over Rs 1/kg to Rs 65 economictimes.indiatimes.com
