India Sugar Prices Drop Below Rs 60 Per Kg

The average retail price of sugar across India fell to Rs 59.57 per kg on September 14, marking the fourth consecutive day prices remained below Rs 60. This decline follows a series of interventions by the Government of India starting August 21, which included permitting sugar imports and tightening stockholding regulations for bulk users and dealers.

Price trends varied by region. While costs eased in major producing states such as Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, festive demand drove prices higher in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The government has accused sugar mills of "jacking up" prices despite assertions that national stocks are sufficient to meet needs.

Amid these price fluctuations, the government lowered its production estimate for the 2025-26 marketing year to 306 lakh tonnes, down from an earlier forecast of 343 lakh tonnes. This revised figure remains above the estimated annual domestic demand of 280-285 lakh tonnes.