3 days ago
Sugar Prices Stay Above Rs 60 Despite Government Measures
Sugar is costing more than Rs 60 per kilogram in many Indian shops.
The average retail price was Rs 64.24 per kilogram on August 30.
This was higher than the week before and much higher than prices last month and last year.
Prices ranged from Rs 40 to Rs 74 per kilogram in different markets.
Wholesale sugar cost Rs 59.73 per kilogram.
The government allowed duty-free imports and limited how much sugar some businesses could store.
It had also stopped sugar exports earlier.
The government says sugar mills may be raising prices even though the country has enough stocks.
However, expected sugar production has been reduced, which could create supply concerns.
India’s average retail sugar price reached Rs 64.24 per kg on August 30, up 1.77% from the previous week.
Retail sugar prices were 30% higher than a month earlier and 38.63% above the same period last year.
Wholesale sugar prices stood at Rs 59.73 per kg, rising 31% month-on-month and 38.63% year-on-year.
Ex-mill prices fell nearly 20% after the government allowed duty-free imports of 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar.
The government tightened stockholding rules and had earlier banned exports, while projected 2025-26 production fell to 306 lakh tonnes.
- Who
- The Indian government, sugar mills, traders, industry sources and consumers are involved in the price situation.
- What
- Retail and wholesale sugar prices remained elevated despite government measures intended to control the increase.
- Where
- Across India, with cited retail prices in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Ranchi.
- When
- The reported prices were recorded on Sunday, August 30; comparisons cover the previous week, month and year.
- Why
- The Centre blamed sugar mills for raising prices, while lower projected production and differences between ex-mill, wholesale and retail prices also feature in the reports.
Government Position
Supply and Market Concerns
Cause of high prices
Government Position
The Centre blamed sugar mills for “jacking up” prices and said the country has ample sugar stocks.
Supply and Market Concerns
Projected 2025-26 production was reduced to 306 lakh tonnes from 343 lakh tonnes, raising concerns about supply despite the government’s stock assessment.
Effect of government measures
Government Position
The government allowed duty-free raw sugar imports, tightened stockholding norms for bulk users and dealers, and had earlier banned exports.
Supply and Market Concerns
Retail and wholesale prices remained high despite these measures, although ex-mill rates reportedly declined nearly 20% after imports were permitted.
Price differences
Government Position
The government’s measures lowered ex-mill prices, according to the reports.
Supply and Market Concerns
Industry sources said gaps of Rs 2-3 per kg between ex-mill and wholesale prices and Rs 7-8 per kg between ex-mill and retail prices are typical.
Key facts
- Average retail price
- Rs 64.24 per kg on August 30
- Weekly retail change
- Up 1.77% from Rs 63.12 per kg
- Annual retail change
- Up 38.63% from the same period last year
- Wholesale price
- Rs 59.73 per kg, compared with Rs 58.66 per kg a week earlier
- Retail price range
- Rs 40 to Rs 74 per kg
- Government import measure
- Duty-free imports of 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar were allowed
- Projected 2025-26 production
- 306 lakh tonnes, down from an earlier estimate of 343 lakh tonnes
- Estimated annual demand
- Around 280-285 lakh tonnes
Sources
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