Deepak Ballani, DG of ISMA, expects sugar prices to remain stable through the festive season due to sufficient stock and steady demand. Despite a slight dip in consumption compared to last year, growth in tier two and rural markets driven by packaged foods is supporting overall demand. Retail sugar prices currently hover around ₹45.9/kg, close to production costs, with minimal inflation impact. Ballani projects sugar consumption growth at 1-1.5%, reflecting ongoing trends and a low per capita consumption in India.
