News Capsule: Government Considers Limited Duty-Free Sugar Imports to Curb Prices
19-Aug-2026 10:50 AM
News Capsule: Government Considers Limited Duty-Free Sugar Imports to Curb Prices
★ The government is considering allowing limited duty-free sugar imports to control prices ahead of the festive season. It is also reviewing stock limits for bulk traders and physically verifying sugar inventories at mills.
★ Retail sugar prices have reached around ₹52.3/kg, up nearly 13% year-on-year. ISMA estimates opening stocks for the 2026-27 season at 3.5–4 million tonnes, which should be sufficient to meet domestic demand.
★ The industry has urged the government to start sugarcane crushing 10–15 days earlier than usual and provide financial support to boost supplies during the festive season.