Despite export of 1.5 million tons of sugar, domestic supply will remain unaffected

12-Nov-2025 08:59 PM

New Delhi. The Central Government has decided to allow the industry to export 1.5 million tons of sugar for the current marketing season 2025-26. Welcoming this decision, the apex industry body, the Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA),

stated that even if the entire quota is shipped, there will be no significant impact on the supply and availability of sugar in the domestic sector.

Adequate stocks will be available for domestic consumers, and the industry will also have a good amount of sugar at the end of the marketing season. This export quota will certainly provide some relief to the industry.

According to ISMA, domestic sugar production (for edible purposes) is expected to be 30.95 million tons during the 2025-26 season, compared to the outstanding stock of approximately 5 million tons at the beginning of the season.

Consequently, the total sugar supply for the season will reach 35.95 million tons. Of this, 28.5 million tonnes of sugar will be consumed domestically during the season, leaving the industry with a surplus stock of 7.45 million tonnes.

If a surplus stock of 1.5 million tonnes of sugar is available, it would be sufficient to meet domestic demand and needs for the first two and a half months of the 2026-27 marketing season.

Citing these figures, ISMA had requested the government to approve the export of 2 million tonnes of sugar, but for now, the decision has been made to approve 1.5 million tonnes. This decision is still in principle, as no official notification has been issued.

ISMA states that during the current marketing season, sugar production in Maharashtra and Karnataka is expected to increase significantly compared to the previous season, while Uttar Pradesh may also see some improvement.

It believes that this 1.5 million tonnes export quota could prove to be very helpful in maintaining sugar price stability.