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India has suspended sugar exports until the end of September 2026 in a move to stabilise domestic supply and prevent a rise in local prices.
The government said the restriction takes immediate effect, according to a late Wednesday order, though it allows limited exemptions, including shipments already in transit and supplies committed under official food-security agreements with partner countries.
The directive will remain in force until September 30, 2026, after which it will be reviewed based on domestic supply conditions and harvest projections.
Authorities said the decision was driven by concerns about potential production shortfalls in the upcoming sugar season, which begins around October, particularly if El Niño weather patterns affect rainfall.
India, a major global sugar producer, has seen fluctuating export volumes in recent years.
Official figures show shipments peaked at around 11 million tonnes between 2021 and 2022, then dropped to 6.3 million tonnes the following year, and fell sharply to about 100,000 tonnes between 2023 and 2024, with a modest recovery to roughly 900,000 tonnes between 2024 and 2025.
Officials also cited broader economic pressures linked to global energy disruptions and fertiliser supply uncertainties, which have added strain to agricultural planning and food pricing stability.
