Sugar and Onion Prices Force Festive Food Vendors to Adapt

Sugar and onions have become more expensive before the festival season.

This makes it costlier for bakers, caterers and street-food sellers to prepare food.

Some bakers may raise prices or use jaggery instead of sugar.

Food sellers are using less onion in snacks, salads and raita.

One caterer removed onion pakoda from the welcome-snack menu.

Onion supplies have fallen in some growing areas because of poor rainfall and reduced arrivals.

Experts say sugar prices were also affected by lower production, seasonal demand and limited stocks.

The government has allowed sugar imports and increased monitoring to help prices settle.

Vendors are trying to control costs without reducing food quality too much.