India Imports Sugar for First Time in Decade to Curb Inflation

India is importing 1 million tonnes of sugar to stabilize domestic prices after wholesale rates jumped nearly 40% in the past two months.

Production for the October 2025 to September 2026 season is projected at 30.6 million tonnes, which is 11% lower than the government's initial estimate of 34.3 million tonnes.

Starting September 1, sugar refineries in special economic zones near ports will be permitted to sell duty-free sugar domestically to provide a buffer against the supply shortfall.