Jharkhand: Sugar price spirals to Rs 65 per kg in Daltonganj
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Daltonganj, August 23: Sugar is no longer a sweet deal for consumers in Daltonganj. For many households, sugar-free…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, August 23: Sugar is no longer a sweet deal for consumers in Daltonganj. For many households, sugar-free tea is becoming a compulsion rather than a choice, as sugar prices have surged sharply over the past month.
The rising prices are also making popular sweets such as jalebis costlier. At standard sweet shops in Daltonganj, a jalebi now costs around Rs 10 to Rs 12 a piece.
Sugar jumps Rs 20 in a month
Sugar prices in Daltonganj have risen by Rs 20 per kg in just 30 days. On August 23, sugar was selling at around Rs 65 per kg, compared with Rs 45 per kg on July 23.
The sharp increase has raised concerns among consumers, particularly with the festive season just weeks away.
The Centre has banned sugar exports until September 30, a measure aimed at ensuring adequate domestic availability.
Ethanol blamed as sugar prices rise
Sources have attributed part of the pressure on sugar prices to the diversion of sugarcane for ethanol production. However, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has rejected ethanol as the reason for the price rise.
The ministry has instead attributed the increase to a shortfall in sugarcane cultivation in major sugar-producing states, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Bihar.
With no immediate assurance that prices will stabilise, consumers fear that sugar could become even more expensive in the coming weeks.
The timing of the price rise has added to consumer concerns. With the festive season approaching, demand for sugar typically increases, particularly around Diwali when households prepare sweets and other festive delicacies.
Consumers fear that further demand could push retail prices higher. Some concerns increased demand during the festive season could encourage black marketing and hoarding if supplies remain tight.
Palamu has little sugarcane cultivation
Palamu district, like most other parts of Jharkhand, does not have large-scale sugarcane cultivation.
Sugarcane is grown only on a limited scale in some pockets. In Sagalim village under Panki police station, for instance, some enterprising farmers cultivate sugarcane for festive occasions such as Chhath and for making gur (jaggery).
With limited local production, Palamu remains dependent on supplies coming from outside the district, leaving local consumers vulnerable to fluctuations in sugar prices.
