New Delhi: Sugar prices have surged sharply ahead of the festive season, prompting quick-commerce platforms and major retailers to limit purchases amid concerns over supply and hoarding.
According to the Department of Consumer Affairs, the average retail price rose from ₹48 per kg on July 26 to ₹65.05 on August 26, a 35.5% increase in a month. Wholesale prices also climbed from ₹45 to ₹60.36 per kg.
Blinkit has capped select sugar brands at 5 kg per transaction in Delhi-NCR, while Swiggy Instamart allows two 1-kg packs or one 5-kg pack.
BigBasket has imposed a 6-kg limit on some brands, while Zepto has restricted sales in several locations. DMart and Reliance Retail have capped purchases at around 2-3 kg per customer in some stores.
The price rise comes amid expectations of stronger festive demand and concerns over lower production. ISMA estimates 2025-26 net sugar output at around 279 lakh tonnes, against annual domestic consumption of 280-285 lakh tonnes. Closing stocks could fall to 35 lakh tonnes by September-end.
To boost supplies, the government has allowed 1 million tonnes of raw sugar imports duty-free and extended the refining and domestic-sale window to two months from filing the Bill of Entry.
Officials and industry representatives say there is no nationwide stock-out, with purchase limits aimed at preventing hoarding and ensuring wider availability.
