Sugar prices soar in India, souring festive season

Sugar prices in India have sharply risen, reaching as high as 75 rupees ($0.79) per kilogram, up from 40 rupees in September 2025. Jai Krishan, a 43-year-old laborer, fears he may have to cut back on other purchases for Diwali, a crucial festival, to afford sweets for his family. India's sweets sector, worth over $1.1 billion, heavily relies on sugar, which constitutes 30 to 60 percent of traditional sweets by weight.