India, Aug. 20 -- Prices of vegetables and essential grocery items have risen sharply across Odisha in recent days. Sugar has recorded one of the steepest increases, with its retail price rising from around Rs 55 per kg two weeks ago to Rs 65 per kg now.Exploring Guided Local City Tours

Traders said the rise in sugar prices is linked partly to the diversion of sugarcane for ethanol production. Odisha mainly receives sugar supplies from Karnataka, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, with Karnataka being a major source.

Advertisement According to the Odisha Byabasayi Mahasangha Secretary Sudhakar Panda, the wholesale price of sugar was around Rs 4,100 per quintal about one-and-a-half months ago. It has now increased to around Rs 6,100 per quin...