SUGAR SHORTAGE INDIA
Sugar stocks: Short-term pain is real; has the long-term case broken? 7 stocks from the sugar-ethanol ecosystem
Though this year's ethanol tender leaves sugar out, the long-term blending roadmap still points to rising ethanol use. The move is aimed at a short-term sugar-supply problem, not at ethanol itself. Check out Stock Reports Plus, powered by Refinitiv, for price targets of over 4,000 listed stocks along with detailed company analysis focusing on five key components – earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum – to generate standardized scores. SR+ Reports is a complimentary offering to ETPrime members.
Could a global food crisis take a big bite out of your plate? What the warnings mean for Americans
International leaders are warning of a possible global food crisis. Could American households feel the impact at the grocery store? May, 2026 JP Morgan report quotes: 'Fertilizer shortages can hurt harvests because the timing is unforgiving. A brewing El Niño could layer on additional seasonal climate and weather stress, shifting rainfall and temperature patterns, and bringing weather extremes.'
India braces for first Diwali after Gulf war with tighter budgets
As households prepare for Diwali, rising food prices and travel expenses are impacting festive budgets significantly. Increased costs for essential items like vegetables and sweets are leading to reduced discretionary spending. E-commerce platforms have seen lower sales compared to last year, indicating a shift in consumer behaviour.
Diet Coke gets costlier at Rs 70 per can in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Goa amid aluminium squeeze
With aluminum prices soaring, Coca-Cola's bottlers and retailers in India have escalated the price of Diet Coke dramatically. The cost of a 330 ml can shot up to ₹70 from its previous price of ₹50. This adjustment stems from the rising demand for the sugar-free option, which has doubled within a year, leading to varying prices among retailers, despite the MRP still reading ₹50.
Sugar imports likely for second year
The world's second-largest sugar producer had remained structurally surplus for nearly a decade but was forced to import sugar in the 2025-26 season after lower output pushed domestic prices to record highs. Prolonged rainfall shortages in Maharashtra and Karnataka, coupled with the state prioritising reservoir water for drinking over irrigation, are expected to reduce sugar content in cane due for crushing from October, executives said.
A dozen ingredients show India's mounting food inflation risk
India’s everyday thali is getting costlier as weak monsoon rains, the Iran and Ukraine wars and rising demand for crops used in biofuels push up food prices. Onions are nearly 50% more expensive than a year ago and ginger has surged over 70%, adding pressure on households just as the festive season begins.
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Food Fables – How Turkey shows that Indian tea’s future might be black
India’s tea industry is facing slow domestic growth, but the article argues that the answer may lie in changing how Indians drink tea. While masala chai remains dominant, promoting plain black tea could help expand consumption, drawing inspiration from countries such as Turkey, China and Iran where tea is commonly consumed without milk.
Sweet trouble: Sugar prices surge to 17-month high as govt warns mills against festival hoarding
Raw sugar futures have reached their highest level since March 2025. Strong Indian import demand and Brazilian supply disruptions are driving these gains. India has opened a tax-free import quota to meet domestic needs. The government warns mills against unjustified price increases during festivals. El Niño and oil prices also influence the global sugar market.
Ethanol blending: India should consider temporary cut to 15% from 20% target, says ICRIER
India should consider temporarily lowering ethanol blending in petrol to 15% during severe feedstock shortages or sharp food-price pressures, while retaining the 20% target as a long-term goal, an ICRIER paper said. It also recommended greater sugar imports, flexibility in ethanol imports and faster adoption of non-food-based second-generation ethanol.
Government should adopt flexible approach to ethanol-blended petrol programme: ICRIER paper
A research paper recommends flexibility in India's ethanol blending program targets. It suggests maintaining E20 as a long-term goal while allowing temporary E15 reductions. This approach would respond to agricultural shocks and manage economic costs effectively. The paper advocates for a flexible feedstock strategy to avoid food market pressure.
Sugar prices are rising on tight supply and strong demand: Which sugar stocks could benefit most?
India is currently experiencing a sugar shortage, caused by shorter production yields and increased consumer demand. While government initiatives are in place to stabilise prices, they may not adequately address the root supply problems. Additionally, global conditions, such as Brazil prioritizing ethanol production, keep international sugar costs high. Experts foresee a sustained tight market in the coming seasons, leading to greater profitability for sugar firms.
Sugar prices may fall soon as 3-3.5 lakh tonnes of refined sugar is expected to enter Indian market
Refined sugar stocks are entering the domestic market, helping ease supply concerns, while duty-free imports of raw sugar are expected to further strengthen availability ahead of the festive season. Ex-mill sugar prices have already fallen by around 20%, suggesting that speculation, rather than an actual shortage, was behind the recent price rise. Consumers can therefore expect sugar prices to become more reasonable in the coming days.
Government to allocate fortnightly sugar sale quota to mills from September to prevent artificial scarcity
Retail sugar prices are easing as ex-mill rates decline significantly. The government will now allocate sugar fortnightly to mills from September. This new system aims to prevent artificial scarcity and ensure smooth supply. Mills must dispatch sold sugar within seven days of sale.
North Indian tea industry faces crisis as auction prices drop 17% amid production challenges
Tea Association of India said that the auction Price figures of North Indian Tea Industry recently reflect a precarious state of affairs in the industry, coupled with the onslaught of flash floods, excessive heat and severe pest and disease infestations hampering production of the crop during the current cropping season.
Government ignoring warnings & E20 spiked sugar prices: Randeep Singh Surjewala
The Congress party has sharply criticized the government's lack of action regarding soaring sugar prices. They argue that the administration disregarded prior alerts about dwindling sugar supplies. Allegations have emerged that sugarcane is being redirected for E20 fuel production, undermining availability. This shift has sparked a considerable price hike for consumers, with opposition leaders asserting that black marketeers are profiting from the turmoil.
Sunny side down? Egg prices rise on ethanol push
Rising diversion of maize to ethanol production has significantly increased poultry feed costs, leading to a 35-40% surge in egg prices over the past year. Maize prices have nearly doubled in three years, impacting the poultry industry which relies on it for 65-70% of its production costs. Experts anticipate further price increases as winter demand rises and maize diversion for ethanol is projected to grow.
China to supply bulk of India’s fertiliser tender in major sale
China will ship at least 1.2 million tons of urea to India soon as part of India's recent tender for the key fertiliser. This marks an improvement in global urea market tightness after earlier disruptions. China's loosened export controls are contributing to increased fertiliser availability worldwide.
Sugar shortage bites: Retailers cap purchases, prices surge 29% ahead of Raksha Bandhan
Major retailers are limiting sugar purchases to three kilograms per customer. Quick commerce platforms also restrict sugar sales to a few packs. This comes as sugar supplies tighten before the Raksha Bandhan festival. Government-approved raw sugar imports aim to ease the tight stock situation. Prices have risen significantly and are expected to continue increasing.
Sugar prices rise over Rs 1 per kg for second consecutive day to Rs 65 amid festive demand
Retail sugar prices increased for a second day due to higher festive demand. Ex-mill rates have fallen significantly after the government allowed raw sugar imports. Wholesale sugar prices also saw a marginal increase on Wednesday. The government has imposed stock limits and banned exports to control prices. Sugar supply remains adequate with sufficient domestic production and opening stocks.
India to divert 350,000 tonnes of sugar exports to local market amid shortage
Indian refiners will divert 350,000 tons of sugar offshore to the domestic market. This move aims to ease a significant supply crunch and tame surging prices. Authorities have cleared the release of these stockpiles to domestic buyers within a week. This intervention will provide near-term relief for consumers during the festival season. Sugar prices have already begun to cool down following government intervention.
Centre to sell onions at Rs 35/kg in Delhi from Thursday amid price surge
Onion prices: The cooperative agency will retail onions through 100 Kendriya Bhandar stores and is in talks with Mother Dairy for sale through its 300 outlets, besides deploying mobile vans -- 15 initially, rising to 40 from the day after tomorrow.
India's sugar industry body shares a positive price outlook
Retail sugar prices are expected to decrease soon as speculative stocking eases. The industry body attributes recent price hikes to speculation and weather-related production issues. Domestic sugar stocks are currently estimated below the government's normative buffer level. The government has permitted duty-free raw sugar imports to address supply concerns.
Sugar stocks Balrampur Chini, Dhampur Sugar, Uttam Sugar Mills rally up to 11%. Here are 2 triggers
Sugar stocks rose sharply on Monday as domestic sugar prices climbed above Rs 50 per kg amid tight inventories and supply concerns. Festive demand, adverse weather in key producing regions and Brazil’s shift towards ethanol are adding to worries over availability. The government has also tightened stockholding limits to curb hoarding.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath assures no sugar shortage, details state stock availability
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated there is no sugar shortage in the state. He assured consumers that ample sugar stocks are currently available with mills. Mills have sold significant quantities, which remain in the open market. Officials are directed to monitor stocks and take action against hoarding. Sugarcane cultivation is projected to increase for future production.
BJP passes 'Vande Mataram' resolution, condemns Congress move, says no compromise on National Song’s honour
The Bharatiya Janata Party passed a resolution defending Vande Mataram's national status. This action strongly condemned the Congress Working Committee's recent decision regarding the song. The BJP affirmed the constitutional and statutory protection of the complete National Song. They rejected attempts to subordinate Vande Mataram to communal or political considerations.
Kharge questions government over sugar shortage, price rise and ethanol policy
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the government's sugar policies. He highlighted low sugar stocks and increased prices impacting consumers. Kharge also raised concerns about the country importing sugar while diverting crops. He asked about the government's ethanol policy amid sugar shortages.
From sugar exports to imports: What’s behind India’s policy U-turn?
The policy shift raises questions over whether 2025-26 production and stock estimates were too optimistic.
Govt halves bulk sugar stock limit to 15 days as prices surge
Government halves bulk sugar stock limit to 15 days as prices surge 20% ahead of festive demand. It has also ordered mills to report detailed sales, buyer and price data for August 17-19 to monitor hoarding and market activity. Authorities are assessing whether sugar imports are needed to ease the supply squeeze.
India allows duty-free sugar imports as prices climb ahead of festive season
Centre has allowed duty-free imports of 1 million metric tonnes of sugar as prices surge nearly 40% in two months amid tightening supplies. The move comes alongside stricter stockholding limits for bulk consumers, with festive demand expected to rise through November and weather conditions adding pressure to sugarcane availability.
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