Rising sugar prices threaten festive cheer in Kullu

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Kullu, August 21

Rising sugar prices in Kullu have triggered concern among residents, with the price of the essential kitchen commodity reaching Rs 65 per kg from Rs 49 in recent days.

Residents said the latest increase could affect household budgets as well as the prices of tea and sweets. The rise has also raised concerns ahead of the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi and Rakhi festivals, when demand for sweets traditionally increases.

According to local residents, sugar was earlier being sold at Rs 49 per kg before rising to Rs 55. On Friday, its price increased by another Rs 10, taking it to Rs 65 per kg at shops in Kullu. Shopkeepers have reportedly indicated that prices could rise by another Rs 15 to Rs 20 in the coming days.

Kullu resident Abhinav Kashyap said rising prices were already affecting people following an increase in cooking gas prices. He said higher sugar prices would further push up the cost of sweets and other food items and urged the government to take steps to control prices.

Naveen Thakur said he purchased sugar at Rs 65 per kg after previously paying Rs 55. He said the sudden increase was putting additional pressure on consumers, particularly during the festive season.

Subhash Gautam said rising sugar prices had also affected tea prices at shops. He said tea, which was earlier available for Rs 10, had risen to Rs 15 following the increase in cooking gas prices and was now being sold for Rs 20 after the latest sugar price rise.

Kullu College student Hrithik Kartik said the increase was adding to his expenses as a student living in rented accommodation in Kullu. He said higher sugar prices, along with increased gas and rent costs, were putting additional pressure on his budget.