Tirunelveli, Aug. 27:
A sharp rise in sugar prices has pushed up the price of the famous Tirunelveli halwa, with a kilogram now selling for ₹340 at a popular sweet shop in Tirunelveli.
Sugar prices have increased from around ₹50 a kg last month to ₹75, amid supply constraints and rising consumption. Sweet shop owners said the increase in input costs had forced them to revise prices.
Other sweets and savouries, including mixture and karasev, have also become costlier by ₹20. Chips are now priced at ₹380 a kg, while palkova and milk halwa cost ₹500 and special Mysore pak ₹540.
Some sweet shops are considering a further hike of up to ₹40 a kg for halwa, with a decision expected in the next few days.