NEW DELHI: India has banned sugar exports until the end of September in a bid to maintain sufficient domestic supplies and curb rising prices, according to a government order issued late Wednesday.
The restriction took effect immediately, with limited exemptions for consignments already in the pipeline and exports carried out under government-backed food security agreements with other countries.
The export ban will remain in force until September 30.
The move comes amid concerns that Indiaâs next sugar harvest, expected around October, could be impacted by below-average monsoon rains linked to the El Niño weather pattern.
Authorities are seeking to stabilise domestic sugar availability as uncertainty grows over agricultural output and inflationary pressures.
India, one of the worldâs largest sugar producers, has seen a sharp decline in sugar exports in recent years, according to government data.
Exports reached a record 11 million tonnes in 2021-22 before falling to 6.3 million tonnes in 2022-23. Shipments then plunged to 100,000 tonnes in 2023-24 before recovering slightly to around 900,000 tonnes in 2024-25.
The decision also comes as India faces broader economic challenges linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict, which has disrupted global energy markets and increased concerns over fertiliser imports and economic growth prospects.
