Prices of sugar have risen recently due to the regional imbalance in availability of the sweetener. However, taking the sugar production of 2016-17 (Oct-Sep) and the carryover stock of 7.7 million tonne into account, there is sufficient availability of the commodity to meet the domestic demand. Mills across the country are estimated to have produced about 20.3 million tonne sugar in 2016-17, sharply down from 25.1 million tonne produced in 2015-16. Wholesale sugar prices in Delhi had shot up to a record high of 41 rupees a kg in July as stockists rushed to build inventory, which they had liquidated ahead of the rollout of goods and service tax. Though wholesale prices have eased since then to about 39.50 rupees, retail prices continue to hover at 43-45 rupees. Prices are expected to rise again as supplies are seen tight this season and demand is seen increasing ahead of the festival season.