Sugar prices have increased by around Tk5 per kg the retail level within a week in the domestic market, as traders point to higher fuel costs and rising transportation expenses as the primary reasons behind the hike.
Market sources indicate that dealers, wholesalers, and retailers have raised prices almost simultaneously, attributing the increase to the recent adjustment in fuel oil prices. At the wholesale level, sugar prices have risen by around Tk3 per kg over the same period.
Manik Chandra Das, owner of Manik Store in Mithachara Bazar of Mirsarai, said, “Just five to six days ago, sugar was being sold at Tk100 per kg, but it is now being sold at Tk105. Dealers informed us that transportation costs have increased due to higher fuel prices, which is why they raised the rates.”
A similar trend has been observed at Khatunganj, the country’s largest wholesale commodity hub. In the past week, sugar prices there have increased by Tk100 per maund (37.32 kg), which translates to roughly Tk3 per kg. Traders said sugar that was selling at Tk3,440 per maund a week ago is now being traded at Tk3,540.
Md Mohiuddin, general secretary of the Chaktai Khatunganj Aratdar General Traders Welfare Association, said that prices of essential commodities, including sugar, often fluctuate based on demand and supply dynamics.
Traders also point to rising prices in the international market and ongoing global uncertainties as contributing factors to the upward pressure.
The government revised fuel oil prices on 19 April, increasing diesel by Tk15 per litre—from Tk100 to Tk115. This hike has had a direct impact on transportation costs across the supply chain, from import stage to distribution at the retail level.
However, data from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) suggests that there has been no significant shortage in sugar imports in recent months. In March 2026, the country imported 163,850 metric tons of raw sugar and 23,356 metric tons of refined sugar through various ports.
Earlier in February, raw sugar imports stood at 252,920 metric tons and refined sugar at 33,052 tons, while in January, imports were comparatively lower at 82,154 tons of raw sugar and 21,240 tons of refined sugar.
Analysis of the data shows that compared to February, raw sugar imports declined by about 89,000 tons, or 35 per cent, in March, while refined sugar imports dropped by roughly 9,700 tons, or 29 per cent.
Despite the decline, overall imports in March remained higher than in January, indicating that supply has not tightened significantly.
Industry insiders believe the drop in March imports is partly due to higher advance imports in February ahead of Ramadan, suggesting that the current situation does not point to an immediate supply crisis.
However, they caution that a prolonged decline in imports could create pressure on the market in the coming months.
Under the “home consumption” category, sugar importers enjoy bonded warehouse facilities, allowing them to release goods without immediate duty payment and settle customs duties within six months.
Additionally, imports cleared under the IM-7 category are later recorded under EN-4 once duties are paid, which can sometimes create timing differences in official statistics.
A senior official of a leading sugar-importing company, requesting anonymity, said global shipping costs have risen amid geopolitical tensions, including the Iran-Israel conflict, while domestic transport costs have also increased due to higher fuel prices.
“The price adjustment is mainly to offset these additional costs,” he added.
