Government allows duty-free import of 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar until October 31
To control prices, the government imposed a stockholding limit on bulk consumers using more than 10 tonnes of sugar a month
On August 20, 2026, the government permitted duty-free imports of 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar under a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) until October 31 to address rising sugar prices in local markets. This measure aims to boost domestic supply and curb price increases. The government also set a stockholding limit for bulk consumers consuming more than 10 tonnes of sugar per month, preventing them from holding excess stock beyond 15 days' consumption.
The import policy amendment for raw sugar is valid until October 31, 2026, as announced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The surge in sugar prices, with ex-mill rates reaching record levels, is attributed to a lower opening stock ahead of the 2026-27 season. Retail sugar prices have increased by approximately 13% year-on-year to ₹52.30 per kg, according to Consumer Affairs Ministry data.
Bulk consumers will face stricter stock limits to ensure adequate availability of sugar for the upcoming festival season, which begins on October 1.
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