Mumbai, Oct. 4:

Sugar prices on the Vashi wholesale market ruled flat on Friday on normal demand and ample supply.

At the higher level, prices for S-grade dropped by Rs 10-20 a quintal.

Fine and bold varieties ruled unchanged. Naka rates were steady on routine activities.

Freight rates from producing centres were up Rs 4-5 a bag on higher demand from stockists ahead of Dussehra.

Traders made new commitments to fulfil festival demand. The volume was higher with mills compared with the last few days.

More than 75,000 bags were sold by producers on Thursday evening with fair quality S-grade being sold Rs 10-20 lower. Bold variety prices were unchanged, said a Vashi-based trader.

Due to ample supply Vashi market carries more than 120-125 truckloads of stocks forcing mills to sell at discount.

Upcountry buying is also lacking in Maharashtra and hope for exports is bleak at current price.

Arrivals at Vashi market continued to be at 61-62 truckloads (100 bags each), while local dispatches were 62-63 loads.

On Thursday, 16-18 mills sold about 75,000-80,000 bags at Rs 2,800-60 (Rs 2,810-80) for S-grade and Rs 2,930-3,000 (Rs 2,930-3,000) for M-grade.

The Bombay Sugar Merchants Association's spot rates were: S-grade Rs 2,960-3,115 (Rs 2,960-3,115) and M-grade Rs 3,132-3,272 (Rs 3,131-3,272).

Naka delivery rates were: S-grade Rs 2,900-2,960 (Rs 2,900-2,960) and M-grade Rs 3,010-3,100 (Rs 3,010-3,100).

Uttar Pradesh rates were: Muzzafarnagar Rs 3,240.