India sugar body says stocks are sufficient as 24% price spike faces import relief
ISMA and NFCSF say India has adequate sugar supplies despite retail prices rising to Rs 56–60 per kg. Duty-free imports of up to 1 million tonnes of raw sugar, mainly from Brazil, are expected to ease availability and cool prices ahead of festival demand.
What happened
Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) · ISMA and NFCSF say India has adequate sugar stocks despite a 24% price jump, attributing inflation partly to speculative
Key facts
- Sugar prices rose 24% in a month to Rs 56-60 per kg
- Duty-free raw sugar imports allowed up to 1 million tonnes
- 2025-26 net sugar production estimate: 279 lakh tonnes
- Estimated 24 lakh tonnes diverted for ethanol
- 2026-27 opening stock estimate: 35 lakh tonnes
- Monthly domestic demand: around 22 lakh tonnes
- Expected November carry-forward stock: 15-20 lakh tonnes
- Brazil shipping time: 40-45 days
- Exported 8 lakh tonnes against a permitted 20 lakh-tonne quota
- Sugar exports were banned from May 13 until September 30
Why this matters
Retail and food companies should assess direct Brazilian sourcing, import partnerships, and storage capacity as temporary tariff relief creates an opportunity to diversify supply beyond domestic mills.