The Government has today allowed an additional export of 5 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of sugar for the ongoing Sugar Season 2025–26.
In a statement, the Consumer Affairs Ministry said that the additional export quantity would be made available to willing sugar mills. Earlier, through an order dated November 14, 2025, the government had permitted the export of 15 LMT of sugar during the current season.
Rahil Shaikh, Founder and MD of MEIR Commodities, welcomes the move and said that the Government has acknowledged the surplus sugar situation in the country.
“I welcome the decision of the Government to allow additional export of 5 LMT of sugar. The Government does recognise the fact that the country has surplus sugar available, which it wants to reduce by way of exports. This will help mills to generate liquidity,” Shaikh said.
Concerns remain over the viability of exports given the international market conditions, which are unremunerative for the Indian producers.
“Global sugar prices are trading at multi-year lows, so I feel it is more of a symbolic announcement. I don’t think sugar mills would export sugar at these prices,” he said.
Shaikh further added that the Government the restrictions on sugar exports, should be abolished as this will ensure sugar export happens when prices are right.
“Quota is a barrier to exports today. The Government should open up sugar export as per the Open General License (OGL). Those sugar mills which are situated near the ports will export sugar. The Government has real-time export data. They can halt exports as and when they feel it’s enough. So OGL is the name of the game”.
