India Opens Duty-Free Raw Sugar Imports After Domestic Prices Surge 16%

India has approved duty-free imports of 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar to ease domestic supply pressures. This follows a 16% rise in sugar prices that analysts attribute to over-estimation of available stocks rather than ethanol diversion. In November 2025, the government had permitted sugar mills to export 15 lakh tonnes, a decision that contributed to the tightening of domestic supplies. The import allowance signals a policy correction aimed at stabilising prices for consumers. Authorities are now recalibrating supply assessments to prevent further price volatility in the sugar market.