📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Sumita Roy Dutta
Business
Sugar Prices Surge in India Even After Government Greenlights Imports
✍️ ChiniMandi
🗓 22 Aug 2026, 11:19 AM
👁 5
Domestic sugar prices rose sharply despite the government's decision to allow imports, prompting analysts to urge larger buffer stocks.
The Ministry of Commerce approved a new import quota for raw sugar to address anticipated shortfalls, but market data shows retail and wholesale prices climbing over the past week.
Traders attribute the rise to tight domestic inventories and delayed arrivals of the first shipments, which have not yet offset the demand surge during the festive season.
Agricultural economists and industry bodies warned that the current buffer stock levels are insufficient, recommending that the government increase the strategic sugar reserve to stabilise prices.
The Sugarcane Growers' Association also called for a review of the import schedule to ensure timely delivery, while the Food Processing Industry Ministry said it will monitor price volatility closely.
Analysts expect that unless buffer stocks are bolstered, sugar prices could remain volatile, affecting both consumers and manufacturers of confectionery and beverages.
Traders attribute the rise to tight domestic inventories and delayed arrivals of the first shipments, which have not yet offset the demand surge during the festive season.
Agricultural economists and industry bodies warned that the current buffer stock levels are insufficient, recommending that the government increase the strategic sugar reserve to stabilise prices.
The Sugarcane Growers' Association also called for a review of the import schedule to ensure timely delivery, while the Food Processing Industry Ministry said it will monitor price volatility closely.
Analysts expect that unless buffer stocks are bolstered, sugar prices could remain volatile, affecting both consumers and manufacturers of confectionery and beverages.