New Delhi: The Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) said on Monday that there is no shortage of sugar in the country and retail prices are expected to come down in the coming days as additional supplies reach the market.
Sugar prices have risen by more than 20% over the past month, reaching around ₹60 per kg in some retail markets. The Centre has approved duty-free imports to increase domestic availability and help contain prices.
10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar to be imported
The central government on August 20 approved the duty-free import of 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar. The move is aimed at improving supplies and bringing down prices.
The National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF) has also said that domestic sugar availability remains adequate. NFCSF president Prakash Naiknavare said the federation has retained its estimate of net sugar production for the 2025-26 season at 2.79 crore tonnes.
Of this, around 24 lakh tonnes has been diverted for ethanol production. India produces around 3 crore tonnes of sugar annually, according to the information provided.
First imported consignments may arrive before October 15
The NFCSF said some consignments of imported sugar could reach Indian ports before October 15.
Naiknavare said Thailand is itself facing a sugar shortage, making Brazil the main available source for imports at present. Ships carrying sugar from Brazil generally take around 40-45 days to reach India, followed by transportation to sugar mills.
The actual timeline will depend on factors including DGFT approvals, letters of credit and congestion at ports.
October 31 deadline may be extended
On the government’s October 31 deadline for imports, Naiknavare said an extension could be possible. He indicated that consignments already in transit may still be allowed to arrive after the deadline.
With additional imports expected to improve availability, the sugar industry expects retail prices to ease in the coming weeks.
