New Delhi, September 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Sugar imports into India remain commercially viable despite a sharp decline in domestic prices, Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) President Niraj Shirgaokar said on Wednesday, citing firm global prices amid tightening supplies.
Speaking on the sidelines of the fourth edition of The India Sugar & Bio-Energy Conference 2026, Shirgaokar said the recent fall in domestic sugar prices had not yet made imports commercially unviable.
“Imports are still viable despite declining domestic prices,” he said.
Ex-mill sugar prices have dropped sharply to around Rs 43-44 per kg from a peak of Rs 65-67 per kg recorded about two weeks ago. Shirgaokar said the decline at the mill level is expected to gradually translate into lower retail prices, with the impact likely to become visible over the next one to two weeks.
The comments come after the Centre last month allowed duty-free imports of 10 lakh tonnes of sugar to strengthen domestic supplies and prevent a sharp increase in retail prices ahead of the festival season.
Sources said sugar mills have so far applied to import around 8 lakh tonnes of the permitted quantity. However, the recent surge in international sugar prices following India’s decision to open the import window has raised concerns among mills over the economics of these purchases.
India, the world’s second-largest sugar producer, opened the import window as part of measures aimed at maintaining adequate domestic supplies and keeping retail prices under control. The government has also tightened stock-holding norms for bulk consumers and dealers to discourage hoarding and ensure sufficient availability in the market.
Meanwhile, ISMA has raised concerns with the government over operational challenges that sugar mills could face if crushing operations begin earlier than usual. The association has flagged the issue as mills assess the impact of an early start to crushing operations amid changing market conditions.
The sugar industry is now closely monitoring international prices, domestic production prospects and retail demand as the festival season approaches.
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