After the government allowed the import of sugar, the price has fallen by 18% to ₹55 per kg. These are ex-mill i.e. factory prices. Last week, sugar prices had reached an all-time high of ₹67 per kg. Import permission and strict action on hoarding reduced prices Union Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra told PTI that the government has taken several important steps to control sugar prices. Recently the Central Government had given permission to import 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar. Additionally, stock limits have been imposed on large buyers and states have been directed to prevent hoarding. After these decisions, prices have started falling at the mill level. The benefit of relief will soon be available in retail and wholesale markets also. According to Prakash Naiknavare, generally there is a difference of ₹ 2 to ₹ 3 per kg between the ex-mill rate and the wholesale market price. At the same time, there is a difference of ₹7 to ₹8 per kg between ex-mill and retail market rates. At present, customers have not got complete relief in the retail market. According to Consumer Affairs Ministry data, on August 24, the average wholesale price of sugar across the country was recorded at ₹58.29 per kg and the average retail price at ₹63.05 per kg. However, after the reduction in mill level prices, sugar will soon become cheaper for common consumers at retail shops. Flying squads deployed across the country, clampdown on hoarders is tightening. Prakash Naiknavare, Managing Director, National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF), said ex-mill prices across the country have now come down to ₹55 per kg or below. He said that to stop black marketing and hoarding in the market, ‘flying squads’ have been deployed which are continuously inspecting. Due to government strictness, prices at mill level may fall further in the coming days. Adequate stock of sugar in the country, claim of shortage is false According to the Food Ministry, the production of sugar in the country for the marketing year 2025-26 (October-September) is estimated to be around 306 lakh tonnes. Although this figure is less than the initial estimate of 343 lakh tonnes, the country’s annual domestic demand remains only around 280 to 285 lakh tonnes. In such a situation, the country has sufficient buffer stock of sugar available to meet the demand.
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Sugar prices fall 18% from record high: ex-factory sugar prices hit ₹55/kg; Will soon become cheaper in retail market also
