{
  "id": 7307638,
  "title": "Average sugar retail price rules below Rs 60/kg for 4th day; festive demand keeps rates elevated",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/average-sugar-retail-price-rules-below-rs-60-kg-for-4th-day-festive",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-14T11:49:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times - Economy",
    "slug": "the-economic-times-economy",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/average-sugar-retail-price-rules-below-rs-60/kg-for-4th-day-festive-demand-keeps-rates-elevated/articleshow/134240457.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New Delhi: For the fourth consecutive day on Monday, the nationwide average price of sugar remained under Rs 60 per kilogram, despite heightened demand due to festivities in certain areas. On Monday, the average retail price of sugar was recorded at Rs 59.57 per kilogram, a slight increase from Rs 58.99 per kilogram the day before. According to data from the Consumer Affairs Ministry, sugar prices fell below the Rs 60 per kilogram threshold on Friday and continued to decline over the following three days.\n\nHowever, the average retail price remains above Rs 58.23 per kilogram, the level at which the central government first permitted sugar imports and implemented other measures to curb sweetener prices. The maximum retail price stayed constant at Rs 85 per kilogram, while the minimum price remained at Rs 40 per kilogram on Monday, as per the ministry data.\n\nIn the southern states, retail prices marginally increased in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, while Tamil Nadu and Kerala experienced a slight decrease. In Andhra Pradesh, the average retail price climbed to Rs 55.56 per kilogram on Monday from Rs 49.58 per kilogram on August 21. In Kerala, the average retail price rose to Rs 57.8 per kilogram from Rs 56.75 per kilogram over the same period.\n\nIn the major sugar-producing states, prices experienced a downward trend. Maharashtra's average retail price decreased to Rs 58.22 per kilogram from Rs 59 per kilogram, while in Uttar Pradesh, it fell to Rs 57.88 per kilogram from Rs 59.64 per kilogram on August 21. Among other states, Madhya Pradesh witnessed a more significant drop, with prices falling to Rs 56.57 per kilogram from Rs 62.36 per kilogram, while West Bengal saw a minor decline to Rs 60.43 per kilogram from Rs 60.95 per kilogram.\n\nOn August 21, the government permitted sugar imports and tightened stockholding norms for bulk users and dealers. The government has accused sugar mills of raising prices, claiming that the country has sufficient stocks to meet demand. However, it has lowered its production estimate for the 2025-26 marketing year (October-September) to 306 lakh tonnes, down from an earlier forecast of 343 lakh tonnes. Annual domestic demand is estimated at 280-285 lakh tonnes.",
  "summary": "Average sugar prices stayed below Rs 60 per kg for four days. Government measures and imports helped ease prices after recent increases. Festive demand caused some regional price hikes, particularly in southern states. Major sugar-producing states like Maharashtra saw prices decline. The government maintains adequate stocks despite a lowered production estimate.",
  "key_points": [
    "Average sugar price stayed under Rs 60/kg for four days",
    "Festive demand kept rates elevated despite decline",
    "Government allowed imports, tightened stockholding norms"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}