Regional Sugar Price Trends Show Mixed Movement on Sep 16

Across India, sugar prices are moving in divergent directions as the country approaches its festive peak. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs reports an average retail price of Rs 59.57 per kilogram on Monday, a modest increase from Rs 58.99 the previous day, but still comfortably below the Rs 60 benchmark that has been a psychological barrier for shoppers.

The national average hides a striking spread: the lowest price recorded was Rs 40 per kg, while the highest touched Rs 85. Consumers in high‑price zones are paying double the low‑end rates, a situation amplified by the surge in demand for confectionery and traditional sweets.

State‑level data paints a nuanced picture. In the south, Andhra Pradesh’s sugar price rose from Rs 49.58 to Rs 55.56 per kilogram, and Karnataka followed suit with an increase, whereas Tamil Nadu experienced a slight dip. Kerala’s average edged up to Rs 57.80 from Rs 56.75.

Conversely, sugar‑rich regions are seeing relief. Maharashtra’s average dropped to Rs 58.22 from Rs 59, Uttar Pradesh fell to Rs 57.88 from Rs 59.64, and Madhya Pradesh marked a sharper decline to Rs 56.57 from Rs 62.36. West Bengal’s price slipped marginally to Rs 60.43.

Online delivery platforms such as Zepto and Blinkit have adjusted their pricing, offering sugar below Rs 70 per kg, down from earlier peaks. Traditional grocery outlets now list the commodity around Rs 60 per kilogram.

While the overall market has cooled since the August highs, prices remain above the early‑month levels in several territories. The balance between festive demand and supply‑side measures will dictate whether consumers see further relief in the coming weeks.