Sugar Price Rises to ₹70 per Kg in Tamil Nadu, Raising Concerns Over Tea and Coffee Prices

The sharp increase in the prices of rice and pulses has been followed by a significant rise in sugar prices in Tamil Nadu. Retail sugar prices have reportedly increased to around ₹65–₹70 per kg, causing concern among consumers, tea shop owners and sweet manufacturers.

The sudden rise in sugar prices has also raised concerns that tea and coffee prices could increase again as businesses struggle with higher operating costs.

Sugar Price Rises Sharply

Until last month, sugar was available at around ₹40–₹45 per kg. However, prices have reportedly increased significantly over the past 20 days, with retail prices now reaching ₹65–₹70 per kg.

The price of a 50-kg sugar bag has also increased sharply. It was reportedly sold for around ₹2,150 last week, while the price has now risen to approximately ₹3,500.

Prices of other sweeteners have also increased. Jaggery has reportedly risen from ₹55 to ₹80 per kg, while country sugar has increased from ₹55 to around ₹70 per kg.

Rice and Pulse Prices Also Remain High

The latest sugar price increase comes after significant increases in the prices of essential grocery items.

The price of Karnataka Ponni rice reportedly increased from ₹55 to ₹80 per kg, while idli rice rose from ₹35 to ₹50 per kg. RNR rice increased from ₹63.50 to ₹71.15, while CO-51 rice rose from ₹35 to ₹45 per kg.

Pulse prices have also increased. Urad dal reportedly rose from ₹120 to ₹150 per kg, while chana dal increased from ₹80 to ₹100 per kg. Coriander prices reportedly rose from ₹160 to ₹250 per kg.

Higher transportation costs, fuel prices, input costs and supply-related issues have been cited among the factors affecting grocery prices.

Tea and Coffee Prices May Rise Again

Tea and coffee shop owners are already facing higher operating costs following earlier increases in cooking gas prices. With sugar prices now rising sharply, businesses may face additional pressure.

Tea prices at smaller shops had earlier increased from around ₹12 to ₹15, while coffee prices rose from ₹15 to ₹20. Shop owners are now reportedly considering another price increase to offset rising sugar and other input costs.

Consumers are concerned about the possibility of another increase in tea and coffee prices, particularly as household budgets are already under pressure from rising food prices.

Festival Season Could Push Sweet Prices Higher

The upcoming festival season is another concern for consumers and sweet manufacturers. Vinayagar Chaturthi, Ayudha Puja and Deepavali are scheduled to be celebrated in the coming months.

With sugar prices rising sharply, the cost of preparing sweets could also increase. Sweet manufacturers may be forced to revise prices if raw material costs remain high.

Consumers and traders have urged the Central and Tamil Nadu governments to take steps to control the rising prices of essential commodities and provide relief to households and small businesses.