Pune: The approach of the Makar Sankranti festival has led to an increase in demand for jaggery, particularly the variety used to make chikki, a traditional sweet. This surge has slightly raised the prices of jaggery, with rates climbing by ₹50 per quintal in the past week. Meanwhile, sugar prices continue to experience a downward trend, with a further drop of ₹25 per quintal over the same period.

Chikki jaggery, commonly sourced from regions like Karad and Kedgaon, is in high demand for preparing festive items such as sesame bars and jaggery candies. All varieties of jaggery have seen a rise in sales, stabilizing their previously declining prices.

In contrast, sugar production remains robust, leading to an oversupply. On Saturday, the wholesale price of S30 sugar ranged between ₹3,650 and ₹3,700 per quintal.

Price Trends Across Commodities

While jaggery and sugar have seen fluctuations, other essential commodities have maintained stable prices. Edible oils, including groundnut, soybean, and sunflower oils, have shown no significant changes, mirroring trends in the international market. Pulses like toor dal continue to be expensive due to shortages, while prices for chickpeas and peanuts remain subdued.

Staple grains such as wheat, jowar, and rice have also experienced price stability. The government's intervention in the wheat market has helped prevent price increases by releasing stock through the Food Corporation of India.