New Delhi: Sugar prices have continued to remain above Rs 60 per kg in most retail markets across India, despite several measures taken by the Centre to contain the increase.
According to Consumer Affairs Ministry data, the all-India average retail price of sugar stood at Rs 64.24 per kg on August 30, up 1.77 per cent from Rs 63.12 a week earlier. The price was also around 30 per cent higher than a month ago and 38.63 per cent above the level recorded during the same period last year.
Prices vary across major cities
The maximum retail price recorded on August 30 was Rs 74 per kg, while the minimum was Rs 40 per kg.
Among major cities, sugar was selling at around Rs 62 per kg in Delhi, Rs 66 in Mumbai, Rs 63 in Chennai and Rs 68 in Ranchi, according to the data.
The sharp rise comes at a time when households and businesses are preparing for the festive season, potentially increasing demand for sugar.
Government steps to check the rise
The Centre has attributed the recent increase to several factors, including lower-than-expected domestic sugar production, weather-related damage to sugarcane crops, stronger festive demand, tightening global supplies and concerns over speculation and hoarding.
The government has said adequate sugar stocks are available to meet domestic requirements and has taken measures to improve availability. It also said ex-mill sugar prices had declined by around 20 per cent in recent days, with retail prices expected to follow the downward trend.
For consumers, however, the continued high retail prices remain a concern as the festive season approaches.
