Sugar Import | Sugar Shock: Why India Is Importing Sugar After 10 Years

Sugar Price Hike | India, the world's second-largest sugar producer, is preparing to import sugar for the first time in a decade, even as retail prices have jumped 16% in just one month, from ₹48.18 to ₹55.70 per kg. The government has approved duty-free imports of up to 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar by October 31 to boost domestic supplies ahead of the festive season. But how did India go from exporting sugar to importing it within months? Was ethanol diversion responsible, did sugar exports add to the pressure, or did India overestimate domestic production? The government's sugar production estimate for 2025-26 has been cut from around 343 lakh tonnes to 306 lakh tonnes, while industry estimates are even lower. Falling stocks have added to concerns about domestic availability. Ethanol is part of the story, but the numbers suggest it may not be the main reason behind the current price surge. With the festive season approaching, the bigger question is whether imported sugar will arrive in time to cool prices. NDTV's Apurva Adhikari explains what is behind India's sugar shock and what it means for consumers.