India bans sugar exports till Sept 30, tightening input cost outlook for F&B retail

DGFT halts raw, white and refined sugar exports citing inflation and West Asia crisis risks. With closing stocks projected at 45 lakh tonnes — the lowest since 2016-17 — packaged food, confectionery and beverage brands face a tighter sweetener cost curve into the festive quarter.

— FiledFri, 15 May, 2026, 07:05 IST·First seen Fri, 15 May, 2026, 06:54 IST·Source Indian Express · Business

What happened

Government of India (DGFT) · DGFT bans raw, white and refined sugar exports until September 30 citing inflation and West Asia crisis-linked supply risks, with

Key facts

  • 275 lakh tonnes production 2025-26
  • 50 lakh tonnes opening stocks
  • 325 lakh tonnes total availability
  • 280 lakh tonnes domestic consumption
  • 45 lakh tonnes closing stocks
  • ban until September 30

Why this matters

Tightening sugar inputs may pressure smaller F&B players, opening selective consolidation windows in confectionery and beverages over the next two quarters.