Jaggery prices jump 25% in fortnight, sweets set to cost more

Pune: After sugar, jaggery prices have surged about 25% in the past fortnight in key producing states of Maharashtra and UP, raising the cost of sweets for consumers ahead of the festive season.

Prices are likely to remain firm until October, when fresh jaggery production begins, industry executives said. A government crackdown on units in Maharashtra making adulterated jaggery has already tightened supplies over the past three months, adding to the pressure.

With sugarcane availability expected to decline next year, jaggery prices could remain elevated through 2027, industry veterans said, extending the squeeze on sweet makers and consumers. Jaggery prices, which move in tandem with sugar prices, shot up in August by 25-30% across the country, said manufacturers and traders.