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Informist, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026

By Taniva Singha Roy

MUMBAI – Ex-mill prices of sugar in the key markets of Maharashtra fell on Friday due to sluggish demand, said traders. In Uttar Pradesh, prices were steady on limited demand at higher prices, they said.

Mills in Maharashtra cut prices by INR 5 per 100 kg due to subdued demand, said Mukesh Kuvadia, secretary of the Bombay Sugar Merchants Association. Prices are likely to remain at current levels in Maharashtra in the short term, Kuvadia said. Mills are awaiting the release of sales quota for March, Kuvadia said.

Sweetener prices in Uttar Pradesh were steady due to limited buying at higher prices, said Naresh Gupta, a trader from north India. Mills in the state had increased prices by INR 10-INR 15 per 100 kg the previous day. 

Demand is likely to improve at the end of the month due to the Holi festival in the first week of March, he said. In addition, sugar production in Uttar Pradesh in 2025-26 (Oct-Sept) is expected to be lower than earlier estimates due to lower sugarcane output, which could support prices. Of the 120 mills that are in operation in the state, nine have stopped crushing activities as of Saturday, compared with two a year ago, according to the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories. 

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

--Flat at INR 3,900-INR 4,045 per 100 kg in west Uttar Pradesh

--Flat at INR 3,900-INR 4,065 per 100 kg in central Uttar Pradesh

--Down INR 5 at INR 3,800-INR 3,825 per 100 kg in Mumbai

--Down INR 5 at INR 3,995-INR 4,056 per 100 kg in Kolhapur

At 1732 IST, sugar prices on the Intercontinental Exchange were up 0.7% at 14.17 cents per pound. Prices rose despite anticipation of higher global sugar output.  End

US$1 = INR 90.98

Edited by Akul Nishant Akhoury

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