Bihar minister Shrawon Kumar faces backlash after 'diabetes' take on sugar price rise sparks reactions online

Speaking about the rise in sugar prices, Kumar told the media that people are suffering from diabetes and thus the cost increase will not make much difference.

Published on: Aug 21, 2026, 19:07:41 IST

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What began as a question about the sugar price rise turned into a debate over sweets and diabetes when Bihar minister Shrawon Kumar’s remarks went viral on social media.

His comment that “who eats sweets and such things anymore?” has triggered a wave of reactions online.

According to media reports, sugar's price per kilogram have risen more than ₹65 in Bihar recently.

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Social media users react to the remark

After Kumar's comments went viral on social media, netizens reacted to the same with a touch of sarcasm.

"Sugar prices are rising, but Bihar Minister Shri Shravan Kumar ji has the perfect solution: people should simply eat less sugar because of diabetes. Problem solved at least according to the minister," an X user said in a post.

"As per Bihar Govt Minister Shravan Kumar, rising sugar prices do not matter as every one is sick and are consuming less sugar. Does he means entire India is sick. What a statement!" another individual said on the social media platform.

Apart from Bihar's reported sugar price hike, retail sugar prices have gone up to ₹70 per kg in Kolkata markets, news agency PTI reported, citing traders on Friday.

Government on sugar price rise

According to an official statement of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, sugar prices have increased in recent weeks, from ₹48.18 per kg on July 20, 2026 to ₹55.70 per kg on August 20, 2026.

"The Government is closely monitoring the situation and has taken a series of measures to ensure adequate availability of sugar and stable prices for consumers," the statement noted.

It also clarified that the rise in prices of sugar cannot be attributed to diversion of sugar for ethanol production.

"Sugar production during the current season is expected to be around 306 LMT, compared to the initial estimate of around 343 LMT by sugarcane-growing States," the release added.

(with inputs from PTI)

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