India, the world’s second-largest sugar producer, is expected to have ample surplus stocks in the upcoming 2025/26 season, beginning October 1, paving the way for sugar exports after meeting domestic and ethanol requirements.
Speaking at a global conference, Ashwini Srivastava, Joint Secretary at the Department of Food and Public Distribution, confirmed that “there will be scope for sugar exports in the new season,” though no shipment volume was specified.
Allowing exports would help the government maintain local sugar prices and ensure farmers receive the minimum support price for sugarcane. In the current marketing year, India permitted exports of 1 million metric tons, despite lower production.
The outlook for the new season remains robust. The Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) projects production at 34.9 million metric tons in 2025/26. Domestic consumption is forecast to climb slightly to 28.5–29 million metric tons, compared with around 28 million this year.
In addition, India is expected to achieve a record 4.8 billion litres of ethanol production from sugarcane-based feedstock, strengthening the government’s ethanol blending program.
The country will begin the new season with carryover stocks of 5 million metric tons, lower than the 8 million recorded a year ago, but still sufficient to support exports alongside local demand.