Sugar prices surge in Jamshedpur ahead of festive season

In Jamshedpur, sugar prices have increased steeply over the past month, affecting household budgets and the cost of bakery items, sweets and tea. Retail sugar is now selling at Rs 63–68 per kg, up from Rs 52–55 a month ago and Rs 59–63 last week. Wholesale prices have also climbed to Rs 60–63 per kg from Rs 49–52 a month earlier. Residents have expressed concern about rising kitchen expenses, especially with festivals approaching. Bakery owners say they are finding it hard to absorb the higher input cost, as sugar is a key ingredient in cakes, biscuits and other products.