Business · Energy & Commodities · 7 hrs ago
Rising sugar prices lift the cost of India's festive sweets
Sugar prices in India rose 29.8% year on year in September, adding to the cost of sweets, candies and desserts during the festive season.
Inflation in sugar, confectionery and desserts reached 13.8% that month, up from 10.9% in August.
Higher sugar, edible oil and fuel costs are driving price increases across sweets and snacks, while lower sugar production, monsoon-related factors and strong demand have pushed sugar prices higher.
India’s celebrations of Navratri, Durga Puja, Dussehra and Diwali make this a busy period for buying festive foods and gifts.
Costlier treats may raise celebration budgets, and sustained food inflation could weigh on consumer demand.
Manufacturers are trying to manage rising costs while keeping products affordable.
The coming sugarcane crushing season could improve supplies, but any price relief depends on how quickly sugar reaches markets and on actual output.
Higher sugar prices and other rising input costs are making sweets, candies and desserts more expensive in India during the festive season.
Inflation in sugar, confectionery and desserts reached 13.8% year-on-year in September, up from 10.9% in August.
Sugar prices rose 29.8% year-on-year in September, while inflation in prepared non-milk-based sweets reached 9.4%.
Lower sugar production, monsoon-related factors and strong demand have driven the increase, according to an economist cited in the report.
Prices may remain elevated in the coming months, depending on fresh sugar supplies, production and other input costs.
- Who
- Indian consumers and manufacturers of sweets, candies and desserts are affected.
- What
- Rising sugar and other input costs are increasing the cost of festive sweets and celebrations.
- When
- During the ongoing festive season in October 2026.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- Sugar prices have risen amid lower production, monsoon-related factors and strong demand; other input costs have also increased.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Inflation in sugar, confectionery and desserts was 3.4% year-on-year.
Inflation in sugar, confectionery and desserts was 10.9%, and sugar prices were up 24.3% year-on-year.
Inflation in sugar, confectionery and desserts reached 13.8%, while sugar prices rose 29.8% year-on-year.
India’s festive calendar gathered pace with Navratri, Durga Puja and Dussehra ahead of Diwali.
- Sugar price inflation
- 29.8% year-on-year in September
- Sugar, confectionery and dessert inflation
- 13.8% year-on-year in September
- Prepared non-milk-based sweets inflation
- 9.4% in September
- Candy price inflation
- 11.5% in September
- Cashew nut prices
- Up 4% year-on-year in September
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What people are saying
The rise reflects higher input costs across key raw materials, including sugar
Festive purchases of sweets are largely driven by tradition and cultural preferences, which should support demand, although consumers may become more value-conscious if prices remain elevated
The increase in sugar prices has been driven by lower production, monsoon-related factors and strong demand