Retail sugar prices across India stay elevated above Rs 64 per kg despite recent import authorisations and stockholding restrictions, signalling persistent market pressures.
Sugar prices in India have stayed stubbornly high despite a series of government measures aimed at cooling the market, with official data showing the national average retail price above Rs 64 per kg on Sunday.
Figures from the Consumer Affairs Ministry put the all-India average at Rs 64.24 per kg, up 1.77% from Rs 63.12 a week earlier. The price was 30% higher than a month ago and 38.63% above the same period last year, underscoring how quickly retail costs have climbed.
Prices remained elevated in major cities, with sugar selling at Rs 62 per kg in Delhi, Rs 66 in Mumbai, Rs 63 in Chennai and Rs 68 in Ranchi. The ministry data also showed a retail range of Rs 40 to Rs 74 per kg across markets on August 30.
Wholesale prices were also firm at Rs 59.73 per kg, compared with Rs 58.66 a week earlier. Industry sources say the spread between ex-mill, wholesale and retail prices is normal to a degree, but the current gap has come alongside a sharp rise in consumer prices.
The elevated levels persist even after the government allowed duty-free imports of 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar and tightened stockholding rules for dealers and bulk users. Business Standard reported that dealers have been ordered to limit stocks to 30 days and 4,000 quintals from August 1 to November 30, while official statements say the steps are meant to curb hoarding and speculative trading.
The government has also barred sugar exports and blamed mills for pushing up prices, insisting that supplies remain adequate. It has nevertheless lowered its production estimate for the 2025-26 marketing year to 306 lakh tonnes from an earlier 343 lakh tonnes, while domestic demand is expected to be about 280-285 lakh tonnes.
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