Goa, Aug. 26 -- Sugar prices have surged ahead of Ga nesh Chaturthi, with retail rates touching nearly Rs 70 per kg in the open market and the wholesale price of a 50-kg bag rising to around Rs 3,150, adding to house hold expenses ahead of the festival. The increase has raised concerns among consum ers as sugar is a key ingredi ent in festive preparations, including sweets, modaks, cakes and other food prod ucts. A further rise could also push up prices at sweet shops, bakeries and other food businesses. Trader Deepak Harrikat attributed the increase to reduced supplies from sug ar factories and said prices could rise further.

However, the Centre has maintained that the country has ade quate stocks to meet domes tic demand until the next...