Sugar prices have eased significantly across several major cities over the past month, offering some relief to consumers ahead of the festive season. According to Chini Mandi rates, retail sugar prices declined between August 22 and September 21, 2026.
In Delhi, the retail price fell from ₹68 to ₹53 per kg, while Kanpur recorded a decline from ₹69 to ₹52 per kg. Prices in Raipur and Mumbai dropped from ₹68 to ₹53 per kg.
Ranchi saw sugar prices decrease from ₹70 to ₹54 per kg, while Kolkata recorded a similar fall from ₹70 to ₹54. In Guwahati, prices came down from ₹71 to ₹55 per kg. Hyderabad witnessed a reduction from ₹70 to ₹53, while Chennai prices declined from ₹70 to ₹56 per kg.
Overall, retail sugar prices across these major markets have fallen by around ₹14 to ₹17 per kg during the period.
Sugar Wholesale Prices Also Decline
The decline has also been visible in the wholesale sugar market. M-30 sugar prices in Delhi fell from ₹6,600 per quintal on August 22 to ₹4,900 per quintal on September 21.
Kanpur recorded a reduction from ₹6,650 to ₹4,750 per quintal, while Mumbai prices declined from ₹6,750 to ₹4,800. In Kolkata, wholesale rates dropped from ₹6,800 to ₹5,000 per quintal.
Chennai also saw prices fall from ₹6,900 to ₹5,400 per quintal. Across the major markets mentioned, wholesale sugar prices declined by approximately ₹1,600 to ₹2,000 per quintal.
Government Changes Stock Limit for Bulk Consumers
The government has increased the stock limit for bulk sugar consumers to 30 days. However, the additional stock beyond the existing 15-day consumption limit can only be sourced from eligible sugar imported under the Advance Authorization Scheme (AAS) and Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ).
Sugar purchased from the domestic market will continue to be subject to the 15-day consumption stock limit under the existing rules.
Food and Beverage Industry Drives Sugar Demand
Domestic sugar consumption in India is estimated to reach around 28 million to 28.5 million tonnes annually. During the 2025-26 sugarcane crushing season, sugar production was expected to be around 28 million tonnes.
Institutional consumers account for a major share of domestic sugar demand. Food and beverage manufacturers, hotels, restaurants, catering businesses and processed-food companies together account for approximately 60% to 65% of total sugar consumption.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes based on the figures and information mentioned in the source material. Sugar prices can vary by location, market conditions and time. Readers should check the latest local market rates and official government information before making purchasing or business decisions.