The average all-India retail price of sugar remained below Rs 60 per kg for the fourth straight day on Monday following a series of government measures, even as festive demand put upward pressure on prices in some regions.
The average price stood at Rs 59.57 per kg, marginally up from Rs 58.99 per kg on Sunday, according to Consumer Affairs Ministry data.
Sugar prices fell below Rs 60 per kg on Friday and remained below the mark over the following three days. The maximum retail price remained at Rs 85 per kg, while the minimum stood at Rs 40 per kg on Monday.
Prices rose in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, while major sugar-producing states such as Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh saw a decline.
In Andhra Pradesh, the average retail price rose to Rs 55.56 per kg on Monday from Rs 49.58 per kg on August 21. In Kerala, it increased marginally to Rs 57.80 per kg from Rs 56.75 per kg over the same period.
In the major sugar-producing states, prices eased. Maharashtra’s average retail price fell to Rs 58.22 per kg from Rs 59 per kg, while in Uttar Pradesh, it declined to Rs 57.88 per kg from Rs 59.64 per kg on August 21.
The government had allowed sugar imports and tightened stockholding norms on August 21 to contain prices.
Maintaining that the country has adequate stocks to meet demand, the Centre has accused sugar mills of “jacking up” prices.