Retail sugar prices in India experienced another upward tick, climbing by roughly one rupee to average around ₹64 per kilogramwith prices reaching as high as ₹76 per kg in certain regions. According to data from the Price Monitoring Division of the Department of Consumer Affairs, average retail prices have risen significantly compared to previous months and preceding years, prompting close monitoring by federal authorities.
Wholesale Trends and Government Assurance on Reserves
While retail costs remain elevated, wholesale market prices stood at ₹59.23 per kg, down from recent peaks. Food Secretary Sanjiv Chopra reassured the public that India maintains sufficient domestic sugar reserves. Following strict government crackdowns on speculation and hoarding, alongside authorization for sugar imports, ex-mill prices have dropped by 18 percent down to ₹55 per kg, with further easing anticipated as imported supplies enter the market.
Production Outlook and Anti-Hoarding Measures
According to the Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA), total sugar production (after accounting for ethanol diversion) for the 2025-26 marketing year is projected at approximately 27.9 million tonnes. With opening stocks at 5 million tonnes against an annual domestic demand of 28 to 28.5 million tonnes, closing stocks are expected to reach 3.5 million tonnes by September.
National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF) Managing Director Prakash Naiknavare confirmed that ex-mill prices across states are capped below ₹55 per kg. To curb artificial inflation, flying squads have been deployed nationwide to prevent hoarding and penalize black-market speculation.
Relaxed Import Timelines to Boost Local Supply
To augment domestic supplies and cool down prices, the government previously permitted the import of 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar. However, industry stakeholders highlighted logistical bottlenecks, including port congestion in Brazil and extended transit times of roughly 40 days for shipments to arrive in India.
Addressing these practical concerns, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued an amendment extending the deadline for processing and domestic sale of imported raw sugar by two months from the arrival date, giving importers necessary flexibility to stabilize market supply.