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In September, 1.20 lakh quintal sugar was purchased from the wholesale market, which jumped to 1.40 lakh quintal in October, said Jagjit Singh, president of Wholesale Sugar Association.
He added, “This year about 20% more sugar has been purchased. Sugar is the main ingredient to celebrate this festival, so this much sale was expected.”
The sweet sellers and bakers have made designer sweets to celebrate the festival of lights and also to satisfy the sweet tooth of the city residents.
Doctors, however, warn all those who are suffering from diabetes and heart problems to eat in moderate quantity so as not to raise their sugar levels.
Dr Harkamal Sidhu, Deputy Medical Superintendent from B L Kapur Hospital, said, “This is a common problem which we observe after every Diwali that patients come with raised sugar levels.”
Dr Rakesh Goyal, endocrinologist from Ludhiana Mediways, said, “November 14 is the World Diabetes Day, a day after Diwali. My appeal is to the residents to control their sugar levels in this festival. The type 1 and type 1 diabetes is increasing not only in elderly but in youngsters and kids as well. Punjabis really need to take extra care.”
The doctors also advise that patients should avoid eating sweets after regular intervals.
Price hike
The price of sweets has increased a lot this season. Halwais say though sugar prices have fallen by Rs 200 a quintal but price of besan increased from Rs 55 a kg to Rs 70 a kg this year. Walnut is Rs 1,000 a kg compared to Rs 800 last year. Pistachio is Rs 1,100 a kg compared to 800 a kg last year.
Gift items
Prices of traditional gift items such as toran, diyas and candles have also increased by more than double this year, so have the prices of crackers. The excise and taxation department said as prices of crackers have increased, their tax collection has also increased by almost double.
