New Delhi. Sugar prices were expected to soften with the end of the peak festive season and increased supply of jaggery, but the market improved somewhat in response to the government's lower domestic sales quota for November.

The Union Food Ministry has set a free sale quota of only 2 million tonnes of sugar for November 2025, which is 4 lakh tonnes less than the October quota of 2.4 million tonnes and 2 lakh tonnes less than the November 2024 quota of 2.2 million tonnes. The sugarcane crushing and sugar production season has also begun.

During the week of October 25th to 31st, mill delivery prices and spot market prices of sugar generally rose and strengthened, but there were also some softening in some areas. Meanwhile, the mill delivery price of sugar increased by Rs. 5 in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Rs. 80 in Western Uttar Pradesh, Rs. 30 in Madhya Pradesh, Rs. 70 in Bihar, and Rs. 10-20 per quintal in Gujarat, but decreased by Rs. 20 per quintal in Punjab.

Similarly, the spot market price of sugar decreased by Rs. 40 in Delhi to Rs. 4300/4460 per quintal, but increased by Rs. 60 in Indore to Rs. 4270/4340 per quintal, improved by Rs. 10 in Raipur to Rs. 4230/4300 per quintal, and increased by Rs. 20 in Kolkata to Rs. 4330/4400 per quintal. Sugar prices in Mumbai (Vashi Market) remained stable at Rs. 3930/4070 per quintal, and Naka Port delivery prices remained stable at the previous level of Rs. 3880/4020 per quintal.

Sugar tender prices also recorded a significant increase during the week under review. Tender prices jumped by ₹50-100 to ₹3815/₹3970 per quintal in Maharashtra and by ₹45 to ₹3970 per quintal in Karnataka.

Although domestic sugar production is expected to increase significantly during the current season compared to the previous season, rising input costs are expected to make it difficult for prices to soften significantly. Ethanol production from sugarcane is expected to decline.