10.09.2026

India sugar refiners likely to divert 250,000 tonnes of sugar to domestic market

India’s port-based sugar refineries are likely to divert about 250,000 metric ​tons of refined sugar to the domestic market, ‌an industry executive said on Wednesday.

India, the world’s biggest sugar consumer, last month allowed duty-free imports of 1 million metric tons raw ​sugar to bring down record-high domestic prices.

The country ​has a handful of port-based refineries that import ⁠raw sugar duty-free, refine it and export the resulting ​white sugar. The government has also allowed these refiners ​to apply for the 1 million-ton quota, enabling them to sell domestically sugar refined from raw sugar they have already imported.

«After the ​recent change in the sugar trade policy, refineries ​have applied for quotas of around 250,000 tons for sale in ‌the ⁠local markets», — said Susheel Kumar, managing director and chief executive of Shree Renuka Sugars, opens new tab , which operates a port-based refinery.

Since the decision to allow duty-free imports, local sugar prices ​have stated ​falling, making it ⁠less lucrative for importers to bring in the sweetener from overseas markets.

Domestic prices ​have already started falling and are unlikely to ​rise ⁠as new-season supplies begin arriving soon.

New Delhi has asked sugar mills to begin crushing on October 15, ⁠nearly ​a month earlier than usual, ​to boost supplies during the peak festival season.

More details: https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-sugar-refiners-likely-divert-250000-tons-domestic-market-industry-2026-09-09/

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