New Delhi: During the week of August 15–21, significant increases were recorded in sugar mill delivery rates, spot market prices, and tender prices. This surge was driven by millers offering limited quantities at higher rates and traders/stockists showing keen interest in purchasing.

Mill delivery prices rose by ₹250 per quintal in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, ₹400 in Western Uttar Pradesh, ₹550 in Punjab, and ₹750 in Madhya Pradesh. While prices in Bihar increased by only ₹20, they rose to ₹1,610 per quintal in Gujarat.

Spot market prices for sugar also saw a sharp rise: in Indore, prices jumped by ₹1,600 to reach ₹6,800–₹6,900 per quintal; in Raipur, they rose by ₹1,600 to ₹6,850 per quintal; in Kolkata, they increased by ₹800 to ₹6,300–₹6,400 per quintal; and in Mumbai, they surged by ₹1,200 to hit a peak of ₹6,250–₹6,450 per quintal. 'Naka' (market entry point) delivery prices also saw a substantial increase of ₹1,200, reaching ₹6,200–₹6,400 per quintal.

During the week under review, tender prices for sugar in major producing states like Maharashtra and Karnataka recorded a massive hike of ₹1,500 per quintal. This pushed tender prices to new record levels of ₹6,775–₹6,900 per quintal in Maharashtra and ₹7,000–₹7,100 per quintal in Karnataka.

The Central Government is taking various measures to control the skyrocketing prices of sugar. Under this measure, a quota for the duty-free import of 10 lakh tonnes of sugar has been announced, and mills and traders have been directed to release their stocks promptly.

If the rising price of sugar is not curbed immediately, this commodity could become unaffordable for the common man during the peak festive season. The government's concern is mounting.