Sugar Price Today August 23, 2026: Household budgets are facing fresh pressure as sugar prices continue to climb across several parts of India. The increase comes just ahead of the festive and wedding season, when demand for sugar traditionally rises because of higher consumption of sweets, beverages and other food products.

According to the figures provided, sugar prices have increased by around ₹10 to ₹18 per kilogram in several states and Union Territories compared with a year ago. In some retail markets, consumers are now reportedly paying around ₹65 to ₹70 per kg.

The sharp rise has brought sugar prices into focus, particularly because any sustained increase could also affect the cost of sweets, bakery products, packaged foods and other items that use sugar as a major ingredient.

Sugar Prices Rise Across Several States

Sugar has become considerably more expensive in many parts of the country. According to the available data, the average price is around ₹58.23 per kg, although actual retail rates vary considerably depending on the city, quality and local market conditions.

Odisha has recorded one of the sharpest year-on-year increases. The price there was reported at ₹64.72 per kg on August 21, around ₹17.80 higher than the corresponding level a year earlier.

Madhya Pradesh and Punjab have also witnessed significant increases. Compared with a month earlier, prices were reported to have risen by ₹15.70 per kg in Madhya Pradesh and ₹14.67 per kg in Punjab.

Rates have also moved higher in markets across Assam, Delhi, Goa, Kerala, Meghalaya, Tripura and West Bengal.

Sugar Price Today in Major Cities

Retail rates can differ from one shop and locality to another, but the figures cited in the report indicate the following price ranges:

Consumers should note that these are indicative market rates and not fixed nationwide prices. The amount charged at a particular retail store can vary depending on location, quality, brand, packaging and local supply.

Sugar Prices Touch High Levels in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh, one of India's most important sugar-producing states, has also witnessed a substantial increase in prices.

According to the information provided, ex-mill wholesale sugar prices in the state have reached around ₹5,400 to ₹5,800 per quintal. The impact is visible in the retail market, where prices in some locations have reportedly reached ₹65 to ₹68 per kg.

This is particularly significant because Uttar Pradesh plays a major role in the country's sugar production. Changes in mill-level prices can eventually influence wholesale and retail markets elsewhere as well.

Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata Also See Higher Rates

Consumers in major metropolitan cities are also paying more for sugar.

Good-quality sugar is reportedly selling for roughly ₹65 to ₹70 per kg in some markets in Mumbai and Kolkata, while Delhi prices are indicated at around ₹60 to ₹63 per kg.

The figures suggest that prices in some markets have risen sharply within a relatively short period. However, consumers may still find different rates across supermarkets, neighbourhood grocery stores and wholesale markets.

Why Are Rising Sugar Prices a Concern?

Sugar is not limited to direct household consumption. It is an important input for sweet shops, restaurants, bakeries, beverage manufacturers and packaged-food companies.

Therefore, if elevated sugar prices continue for a prolonged period, businesses that consume large quantities could face higher input costs. Whether those costs are passed on to consumers will depend on factors including competition, supply conditions and individual companies' pricing strategies.

The timing is also important. India is approaching a period when festivals and weddings can increase demand for sweets and other sugar-based products.

Higher demand combined with tight supply conditions could keep prices under pressure unless availability improves.

Government Keeping an Eye on Sugar Market

The government closely monitors the availability and prices of essential commodities, including sugar. Measures affecting domestic supply, stocks, exports or imports can be considered depending on market conditions.

For consumers, the most important factor will be whether supplies improve sufficiently in the coming weeks to ease pressure on retail prices.

Sugar rates can also change quickly and differ substantially between cities. Therefore, buyers planning bulk purchases for festivals, weddings or commercial use may want to compare prevailing local wholesale and retail prices before purchasing.

Will Sugar Become More Expensive?

It is too early to say that prices will necessarily continue rising. Future rates will depend on domestic production, available stocks, demand, government measures and broader supply conditions.

For now, however, consumers in several cities are facing noticeably higher prices than before. With retail sugar reaching around ₹65–₹70 per kg in some markets, households and businesses will be watching closely to see whether prices stabilise before the peak festive season.