Overview
- Consumer Affairs Ministry data on August 30 showed the all-India average retail sugar price at Rs 64.24 per kg and the wholesale rate at Rs 59.73 per kg, with most markets above Rs 60 per kg.
- The Centre has opened a duty-free import window for up to 1 million tonnes until October 31, tightened stockholding rules and barred exports to boost supply, but mill-level price cuts have not fully reached shelves.
- Ex-mill prices have fallen roughly 20–30% since the import decision and related measures, yet retailers and wholesalers holding older, costlier stock are slow to lower their rates.
- Industry reports and Reuters coverage say mills may import only part of the permitted quota because weaker domestic prices cut import margins, which could delay added supply reaching consumers.
- Production for the 2025–26 marketing year was revised down to about 306 lakh tonnes from 343 lakh tonnes, and the October crushing season and weather risks will determine whether prices ease or stay high for households and food businesses.