New Delhi: Following a series of strategic interventions by the Central government, sugar prices across India have begun to show signs of softening, bringing much-needed relief to consumers ahead of the festive season. On Monday, the average retail price of sugar remained below the Rs 60 per kilogram mark for the fourth consecutive day, though festival-driven demand continues to exert upward pressure in certain pockets of the country.
According to the latest data released by the Consumer Affairs Ministry, the maximum retail price of sugar stood firm at Rs 85 per kg on Monday, while the minimum price was recorded at Rs 40 per kg. The nationwide average retail price was registered at Rs 59.57 per kg, a slight uptick from Sunday’s Rs 58.99 per kg.
Despite the recent cooling, the average price remains marginally higher than the Rs 58.23 per kg recorded on August 21, the day the Centre first permitted sugar imports and implemented other stringent measures to curb soaring rates. The Ministry data indicated that while prices dipped below the Rs 60 threshold last Friday and have continued to soften, robust festive demand is preventing a sharper decline.
A closer look at state-wise figures reveals a mixed regional trend. Major sugar-producing states have witnessed a comforting dip in retail rates. In Maharashtra, the average retail price cooled down to Rs 58.22 per kg from Rs 59 per kg. Similarly, Uttar Pradesh saw prices decline from Rs 59.64 to Rs 57.88 per kg.
Madhya Pradesh emerged as the biggest beneficiary of this downward trend, registering a significant drop from Rs 62.36 to Rs 56.57 per kg. Meanwhile, West Bengal noted a marginal decrease, with prices settling at Rs 60.43 per kg compared to Rs 60.95 on August 21.
Conversely, some southern states experienced a slight surge in costs. Andhra Pradesh saw its average retail price climb to Rs 55.56 per kg on Monday, up from Rs 49.58 per kg in late August. Kerala followed suit, with prices edging up to Rs 57.80 per kg from Rs 56.75 per kg. Karnataka also reported a marginal increase in the commodity’s cost, whereas Tamil Nadu recorded a slight dip in retail rates.
The government continues to monitor the market situation closely to ensure adequate supply and stable prices as the country enters its peak festival months.