Sugar prices in India are touching new highs. Retail rates crossed Rs 69 per kilogram in several cities on August 20. Wholesale markets recorded a sharp jump of up to Rs 525 per quintal in a single day.
Wholesale Sugar Rates Surge Across Major Markets
According to Chinimandi data, wholesale prices rose Rs 400 to Rs 525 per quintal on August 20. Ahmedabad quoted sugar at Rs 6,405 per quintal, up Rs 525 from the previous rate. Kolkata and Chennai saw rates reach Rs 6,562.50 per quintal with a gain of Rs 472.50. Kolhapur climbed Rs 446.25 to Rs 6,405 per quintal. Delhi rose Rs 420 to Rs 6,510 per quintal.
Kanpur quoted sugar at Rs 6,531 per quintal. Bengaluru reported Rs 6,457.50 per quintal and Muzaffarnagar Rs 6,468 per quintal. Every major market logged a steep single-day spike.
Retail Prices Rise Rs 14 Per Kg in Nine Days
Retail data shows the same surge. Sugar in Delhi cost Rs 53 per kg on August 11. It jumped to Rs 67 per kg by August 20. That is a rise of Rs 14 per kg in just nine days. Kanpur moved from Rs 53 to Rs 68 per kg in the same period. Mumbai climbed from Rs 52 to Rs 67 and Kolkata from Rs 53 to Rs 68.
Guwahati recorded the highest retail price at Rs 69 per kg. Most cities quoted sugar between Rs 67 and Rs 69 per kg on August 20. Branded packet sugar is now selling at up to Rs 80 per kg.
Government Allows Duty-Free Import of 10 Lakh Tonnes
The central government approved the import of 10 lakh metric tonnes of raw sugar. A tariff rate quota permits duty-free import up to this limit. The facility stays open until October 31, 2026. Sugar made from imported raw sugar must be sold in the domestic market by the same date.
Stock Limits From September 1 to Curb Hoarding
The government also tightened stock rules to control prices. Dealers using over 10 metric tonnes of sugar every month cannot hold stock for more than 15 days. The order takes effect from September 1. It will remain in force until November 30. Officials expect these measures to cool prices in the coming days.
