Jaggery Price Hike: Another shock for common people. When it comes to discussing sweets in the country, the focus is usually on sugar. Recently, the escalating prices of sugar have disrupted the average person’s household budget. While sugar is the talk of the town due to its rising prices, jaggery has not been part of the trading discussions yet. Surprisingly, the price of jaggery has surpassed that of sugar. Just a few weeks ago, jaggery was priced between Rs 40 to Rs 50 per kilogram, but now it has shot up to Rs 75 to Rs 90 per kilogram.

India holds the title of being the largest producer of jaggery globally, accounting for 70% of the world’s total jaggery output. In the fiscal year 2025-26, India exported 471.9 metric tons of jaggery and its products. Approximately 30% of the country’s sugarcane is utilized for jaggery production. The jaggery industry directly supports the livelihoods of 2.5 million farmers, workers, and small rural business owners. The rapid surge in jaggery prices in the local markets has created concerns among consumers as the festive season and winter approach.

Key points

– Jaggery prices have soared from Rs 50 to around Rs 90.
– Price hikes have been observed across various states including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh.
– The price of jaggery has spiked by a significant 40 to 60 percent in the past month.

In Uttar Pradesh

– In Shahjahanpur, prices surged from Rs 70 to Rs 90 per kg within a span of 15 days.
– In Meerut and Moradabad, major cities known for sugarcane cultivation, jaggery prices rose from Rs 60-Rs 65 to as high as Rs 80 per kg.
– In Kanpur, prices escalated from Rs 60 to Rs 80 per kg.
– In Noida, Ghaziabad, and Lakhimpur Kheri, prices are fluctuating between Rs 70 and Rs 80 per kg.

In Madhya Pradesh:

– Wholesale prices ranged from Rs 71 to Rs 72 per kg.
– Regular jaggery is now being sold for Rs 80 per kg in retail markets.
– Premium and organic jaggery prices have also increased, with organic jaggery now priced at Rs 150 per kg.

Reasons for the Jaggery price hikes

– Depletion of stocks from the previous crushing season.
– New sugarcane crushing and jaggery mills operating at full capacity in October-November.
– Increased winter demand for jaggery.
– Impact of rising sugar prices on jaggery demand.
– Reduced sugarcane production affecting jaggery mill operations.
– Jaggery being used in various products as a sugar substitute, leading to higher consumption.