Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:04am on 21 Aug 2026,Friday India
Retail sugar prices in Kolkata have climbed to ₹70 per kg ahead of the festive season, rising ₹20 over the past month. Traders reported a sharp 10% increase during the last four to five days, while jaggery, batasa and nakuldana have also become more expensive. The Centre has allowed sugar mills to import one million tonnes of raw sugar and reduced stockholding limits for bulk consumers to 15 days. Traders cite tight supplies, increased festive demand, ethanol diversion and lower Brazilian production among the factors driving prices. Sweet manufacturers warn that continued increases could push up the cost of traditional sweets. (PC: Shutterstock)
