New Delhi. Despite the peak festive season, the mill delivery price and spot market prices of sugar declined by ₹40-50 per quintal during the week from October 4th to 10th. Mills increased selling pressure, but buyer demand remained weak.

During the week under review, the mill delivery price of sugar declined by ₹30 per quintal in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, ₹50 in Western Uttar Pradesh, ₹41 in Punjab, ₹15 in Madhya Pradesh, and ₹64 in Bihar.

Gujarat also witnessed a decline of ₹15-₹30. Mills were unable to sell sugar as expected. After the Durga Puja (Dussehra) festival ended in October, sugar demand was expected to pick up for Diwali, but buyers are aware that a free sale quota of 2.4 million tonnes of sugar has been set for October, so there will be no shortage and sufficient stocks will be available for timely purchase.

Spot sugar prices fell by ₹30 in Delhi during this period to ₹4,400/₹4,600 per quintal. While they remained stable at their previous level of ₹4,270/₹4,340 per quintal in Indore, they fell by ₹20 in Raipur (Chhattisgarh) to ₹4,260/₹4,350 per quintal, by ₹30 in Kolkata to ₹4,320/₹4,420 per quintal, and by ₹20 in the Mumbai (Vashi) market to ₹3,980/₹4,180 per quintal. The Naka Port Delivery price of sugar also fell by ₹20 to ₹3930/₹4130 per quintal. Trading remained slow in almost all regions.

Sugar tender prices in Maharashtra and Karnataka fell by approximately ₹45 per quintal, forcing millers to sell their stocks at reduced prices. With the major festival of Diwali approaching, sugar demand and prices may strengthen in the coming days. The international sugar market has cooled.

During the 2025-26 season, ISMA has estimated sugar production at 34.9 million tonnes, while the central government has estimated sugar production at 34 million tonnes. Sugarcane acreage has increased, but excess rainfall and flooding have caused minor crop damage in some areas.