New Delhi, August 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India has sufficient sugar stocks to meet domestic demand, including during the upcoming festive season, and prices are expected to ease in the coming weeks as supplies improve, the Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) said on Monday.
ISMA Director General Deepak Ballani said the sharp rise in sugar prices over the past 15-20 days was driven primarily by market sentiment, speculative buying and concerns over short-term availability rather than an actual shortage.
He said crop-related developments and global market conditions had also contributed to the recent price movement. Lower-than-expected sugar production in parts of Uttar Pradesh last year, owing to red rot disease and premature flowering in sugarcane, affected market sentiment. Tighter global sugar availability and higher international prices also influenced the domestic market.
Ballani said adequate sugar would remain available through the end of the current season on September 30 and expressed confidence that market conditions would improve soon.
“Prices have already started showing signs of moderation. We expect this trend to gradually reflect in the retail market as well, providing relief to consumers,” he said.
ISMA President Neeraj Shirgaokar said domestic stocks were sufficient to meet demand as the new sugar season approaches. He added that government measures would further improve market conditions and ensure adequate supplies.
“There is no shortage of sugar in India. Production and stocks are at satisfactory levels. The current situation is largely driven by market sentiment ahead of the festive season and does not represent a structural supply crisis,” Shirgaokar told IANS.
ISMA Vice President Madhav B. Shriram also rejected claims that the ethanol programme was responsible for the recent rise in sugar prices.
“Our sugar mills and warehouses have adequate stocks. The shortage being projected in the market does not match the ground reality. Sugar is available and the impact of the steps taken by the government will be visible soon,” he said.
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