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Informist, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026

 

By Afra Abubacker

 

NEW DELHI – Ex-mill prices of sugar remained largely steady in key markets of Maharashtra on Thursday, as the sales quota for February is seen as adequate to meet the demand for the month. In Uttar Pradesh, prices rose slightly on expectations of a hike in the minimum selling price of sugar, traders said.

 

Sugar prices remained flat in Maharashtra following the one-day market closure in the wake of the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Pawar died in a plane crash on Wednesday in Baramati, Maharashtra. 

 

"Market is flat (in Maharashtra). February (sales) quota is sufficient," Mukesh Kuvadia, the secretary of the Bombay Sugar Merchants Association. On Tuesday, the government set the domestic sugar sales quota for February at 2.25 million tonnes, unchanged from a year ago, but 2.3% higher than the 2.20 million tonnes in January. 

 

With fewer trade days next month and no major festivals lined up, the market had expected the government to set the domestic sugar sales quota for February at 2.20 million-2.25 million tonnes, in line with February 2025 and January levels. The government fixes sales quotas to regulate domestic availability, support prices, and help mills clear sugarcane arrears to farmers.

 

"Market is up INR 15 (in Uttar Pradesh). Prices are up on sentiments around a higher MSP," Naresh Gupta, a trader from north India, said. "How it holds will be clear in the coming days," he added. 

 

Although the government has not made any official announcement, ex-mill prices have firmed up over the past few sessions on expectations of a higher minimum selling price. Since last Friday, market chatter of a higher minimum selling price has been doing the rounds, after ChiniMandi, a sugar trade media, reported that the government is likely to increase the minimum selling price to INR 37.50–INR 38.00 per kilogram. The minimum selling price of sugar is INR 31 per kg.

 

Sugar prices are most likely to be steady in the coming week, unless the Centre increases the minimum selling price of sugar. "The game is on MSP. If it is not announced in the Budget speech, the market may fall," Kuvadia said. 

 

According to traders, sugar demand is expected to remain muted in February, though some support is seen from Ramadan and the ongoing wedding season in North India. Demand from bulk consumers, such as soft drink and ice cream makers, typically eases during winter amid lower temperatures.

 

The following are the highlights of sugar prices in the domestic market:

--Up INR 15-INR 20 at INR 3,900-INR 4,100 per 100 kg in Uttar Pradesh

--Flat at INR 3,910-INR 3,992 per 100 kg in Mumbai

--Flat at INR 3,760-INR 3,800 per 100 kg in Kolhapur

 

At 1518 IST, the price of sugar on the Intercontinental Exchange was flat at 14.70 cents per pound. End

 

US$1 = INR 91.95

IST, or Indian Standard Time, is five-and-a-half hours ahead of GMT

 

Edited by Saji George Titus

 

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