Sugar prices across India continue rising, creating concerns for consumers. Meanwhile, the central government has changed raw sugar import rules. Under the revised system, imported raw sugar through TRQ will follow separate deadlines. Importers must now sell refined sugar within a fixed period for each shipment.
Earlier, the government had set October 31, 2026, as the final deadline. However, the new rule changes the timeline approach.
New TRQ rules set two-month selling deadline
According to the government order, importers must refine raw sugar within two months. They must then sell it as white sugar in domestic markets.
The period will begin from the date of filing the Bill of Entry. The government has also changed rules linked with 10 lakh MT raw sugar TRQ imports.
Therefore, each shipment will now receive an individual timeline instead of one common deadline.
Sugar prices jump by ₹7.52 per kilogram
According to Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ministry data, sugar prices increased sharply within one month.
On July 20, retail sugar prices stood at ₹48.18 per kilogram. However, by August 20, prices reached ₹55.70 per kilogram.
Therefore, sugar prices increased by ₹7.52 per kilogram in one month. The rise represents around 15.6% growth during this period.
Consequently, higher sugar costs have added more pressure on household budgets.
Government highlights production concerns and available stock
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the government remains concerned about lower production. He linked the issue with the impact of El Niño conditions on sugarcane crops.
Furthermore, he said agricultural production worldwide has faced serious effects. Sugar production has also experienced pressure due to these conditions.
According to the minister, India requires around 280 lakh tonnes of sugar annually. However, the country currently has an additional stock of 20-25 lakh tonnes.
