Dearer delights: The prices of sweets and bakery products are likely to increase by ₹10-20 per kg
| Photo Credit: ALLEN EGENUSE J.
Following the rise in sugar prices and with the festive season approaching, the prices of sweets and bakery products are likely to increase by ₹10-20 per kg, while juices and beverages may cost ₹5-10 more. As of August 27, sugar was selling at ₹65 per kg in the wholesale market and ₹75 per kg in the retail market.A few days ago, it was priced at ₹45 per kg, consumers said. Deficient rainfall, higher logistics costs, diseases affecting sugarcane, and festive demand are being cited as reasons for the increase in sugar prices. The Opposition has also blamed the diversion of sugarcane for ethanol production for the sharp rise.Nagesh, who runs a fruit juice centre on CBI Main Road, said, “We use 10-15 kg of sugar every day. The increase in prices has made a significant difference to my business. Instead of spending ₹1,125, I had to pay ₹1,875 for a 25-kg bag of sugar today. Hence, from September 1, I have decided to increase the prices of all fruit juices by ₹5.”Srikanth, a bakery owner in Domlur, said, “Bakeries rely mainly on maida and sugar to prepare their products. We use 10-15 kg of sugar daily to make cream for buns, cakes, bread, rusks and butter biscuits. We cannot switch to alternatives because they do not offer the same taste.”Mr. Srikanth added that the price of a loaf of bread, currently ₹50, would be raised to ₹55, while rusks, priced at ₹280 per kg, would cost ₹300 per kg from September onwards.Similarly, Adil A., manager of a bakery and sweets stall in Shivajinagar, said, “Boondi laddus are currently priced at ₹600 per kg, carrot and pumpkin halwa at ₹500 per kg, and jalebi at ₹450 per kg. Following the increase in sugar prices, we are planning to raise the prices of all these products by ₹10-20 per kg.”Mr. Adil added that the planned hike in bakery product prices was not solely due to the increase in sugar prices, but also because of the rise in the cost of oil and ghee over the past month.However, Uday Pai, who owns a condiments shop in Vasanth Nagar, said he had no plans to increase prices. “The rise in sugar prices is temporary and will not continue for long. I have no plans to increase the prices of sweets in my shop. People are already burdened by rising prices of various commodities. If I also raise prices, I may lose customers,” he said.He also stated that it is during festivals that sweet shops have good demand. “During this time, we must focus on making good business. A loss of ₹5 to 10 here and there for varieties of sweets will do.”Meanwhile, shops that sell hot beverages like tea, coffee and malt drinks also said that they are likely to increase the prices by ₹5 to 10.Manju, manager at a standalone coffee shop in Attiguppe, said, “In a day, we use 8 to 10 kgs of sugar for various beverages. Some people also choose jaggery tea but it cannot be used in every beverage.”Mr Manju added that from September, they will increase the price by Rs 3 to 5 depending on the prices of various beverages. Published - August 28, 2026 06:04 am IST
