New Delhi: Sugar prices remained above ₹60 per kg across most retail markets in India on Sunday despite government measures aimed at controlling the sharp increase, official data showed.
According to Consumer Affairs Ministry data, the all-India average retail sugar price stood at ₹64.24 per kg on August 30.
This was 1.77 per cent higher than ₹63.12 per kg recorded a week earlier.
Sugar Prices Jump 30% In A Month
Retail sugar prices are now around 30 per cent higher than a month ago and 38.63 per cent above their level a year earlier.
The highest retail price recorded across the country was ₹74 per kg, while the lowest stood at ₹40.
Sugar was selling at ₹62 per kg in Delhi, ₹66 in Mumbai, ₹63 in Chennai and ₹68 in Ranchi.
Wholesale Rates Remain Firm
Wholesale sugar prices also remained elevated at ₹59.73 per kg.
This represented an increase of around 31 per cent month-on-month and 38.63 per cent year-on-year.
Wholesale prices stood at ₹58.66 per kg a week earlier.
The elevated prices come despite ex-mill sugar rates declining nearly 20 per cent following the government’s decision to permit duty-free imports of 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar.
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Industry sources said a ₹2-3 per kg difference between ex-mill and wholesale prices is considered normal.
The usual difference between ex-mill and retail prices is around ₹7-8 per kg.
Government Tightens Supply Measures
Apart from allowing imports, the Centre has tightened stockholding limits for dealers and bulk consumers. Sugar exports had also been banned earlier.
The government has blamed mills for pushing up prices despite adequate domestic stocks.
Sugar production for the 2025-26 marketing year is estimated at 306 lakh tonnes, lower than the earlier projection of 343 lakh tonnes.
Annual domestic sugar consumption is estimated at around 280-285 lakh tonnes.
