Sugar Prices Surge Ahead Of Diwali: Is India’s Ethanol Push Creating A Food-Versus-Fuel Crisis?

Sugar prices have risen to ₹55.70/kg from ₹48.18/kg in a month. The Centre rejects linking the surge to ethanol production, citing lower output, festive demand, crop damage, tighter global supplies, and speculation or hoarding as key reasons.

India’s sugar market is heating up just ahead of the festive season, with wholesale and retail prices climbing sharply. Maharashtra’s wholesale sugar prices have risen from ₹3,650 per quintal in March to ₹5,400 in August, while retail prices have touched ₹65 per kg in Punjab. A…