Bhubaneswar, Aug. 20 (UDN): Consumers across Odisha are facing a fresh squeeze on their household budgets as sugar prices have surged sharply in retail markets, with rates climbing to as high as Rs 70 per kg in some parts of the state.
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Sugar, which was earlier selling at around Rs 40-42 per kg in several markets, is now being quoted between Rs 60 and Rs 70 per kg. The sudden increase is also raising concerns over the prices of sweets, bakery products and other food items that depend heavily on sugar.
Berhampur Records Highest Price
Berhampur has reported one of the steepest increases, with sugar prices rising from Rs 45 to Rs 70 per kg.
Prices have also climbed significantly in other major markets:
Balasore: Rs 45 to Rs 60 per kg
Rourkela: Rs 55 to Rs 64 per kg
Sambalpur: Rs 45 to Rs 60 per kg
Jeypore: Rs 42 to Rs 68 per kg
The sharp variations across markets indicate that consumers in different parts of the state are facing different levels of price pressure.
Weather, Supply Disruptions Blamed
Market sources have attributed the rise partly to irregular rainfall in major sugarcane-producing states, which has reportedly affected crop and supply conditions.
Reduced supplies reaching Odisha from other states have also contributed to the pressure in wholesale markets, traders said.
Other Essentials Also Become Costlier
The sugar price surge comes at a time when several other household essentials are also witnessing increases.
Basmati rice has reportedly become costlier by around Rs 30 per kg, while parboiled rice has risen by approximately Rs 10 per kg. Pulses have registered increases of Rs 5-10 per kg, while cooking oil has gone up by nearly Rs 5 over the past month.
With multiple food items becoming more expensive simultaneously, household spending on basic kitchen necessities is coming under increasing pressure across Odisha.