Spot sugar prices on the Vashi terminal market improved by Rs 10 a quintal on Monday on increased local retail demand. After the onset of monsoon, demand for fine variety M-grade has risen. Retailers placed fresh orders, which improved sentiment at the upper level also. Nakarates were up Rs 10 a quintal on a spike in mill tender rates. A Vashi-based wholesaler said that activities in sugar market improved on fresh buying by retailers, even as ample supplies from mills continue. Mill-level enquiries from neighbouring States remain absent. Rail-rake trade halted after buyers from eastern States bought about three rakes (of 27,000 bags of a quintal each) last week.

In the Vashi market, arrivals were 53-54 truck loads, while local dispatches were about 50-52 truck loads. On Saturday, 11-12 mills sold about 52,000-55,000 bags sugar to local traders at Rs 2,775-2,840 (Rs 2,770-2,830) for S-grade and at Rs 2,850-2,920 (Rs 2,840-2,910) for M-grade.

The Bombay Sugar Merchants Association's spot rates: S-grade Rs 2,912-2,981 (Rs 2,912-2,971) and M-grade Rs 2,992-3,141 (Rs 2,991-3,131).

Naka delivery rates: S-grade Rs 2,880-2,910 (Rs 2,870-2,900) and M-grade Rs 2,950-3,010 (Rs 2,940-3,010).