After a gap of almost 10 years, India may have to resort to sugar imports

•India may import 1 million tonnes of raw sugar at nil duty to cool down domestic prices, with prices reaching ₹5,400-5,560 per quintal in Maharashtra.

•Exports of 1.5-2.0 million tonnes of sugar, allowed in 2025, are blamed for the current shortage, as production did not meet consumption.

•India's net sugar production in 2025-26 was around 27.9 million tonnes, but exports and consumption left a closing stock of 3.5-3.9 million tonnes.