Likely Increase in Sugar Free-Sale Quota for April

26-Mar-2026 05:40 PM

New Delhi. For domestic sales in March 2026, the Ministry of Food released a total sugar quota of 22.50 lakh tonnes. However, analysts within the industry and trade sectors believe that the free-sale quota for April could be increased by one lakh tonnes, setting it at 23.50 lakh tonnes.

According to market observers, sugar consumption is likely to rise in April compared to March, as rising temperatures are expected to boost industrial demand—particularly from manufacturers of cold drinks and ice cream, who may undertake substantial sugar purchases. Consequently, the free-sale quota could see an increment ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 tonnes.

The free-sale quota released for March 2026 stood at 22.50 lakh tonnes; this figure was on par with the quota for February 2026 but represented a decrease of 50,000 tonnes—or 2.2 percent—compared to the quota for March 2025.

The new sugar sales quota is expected to be announced within the next day or two. With summer temperatures beginning to rise across most parts of the country, a significant surge in both the demand and consumption of sugar is anticipated.