The Centre’s decision to allow export of an additional 87,587 metric tonnes of sugar has raised concerns in the industry, with millers objecting to the June 30, 2026 deadline imposed for shipments, Pudhari reports.
The fresh quota, allotted to 17 sugar mills across the country, includes 71,707 metric tonnes for 13 mills in Maharashtra. Industry players say the time-bound condition could restrict their ability to benefit from improving global prices, especially amid market shifts linked to tensions involving Iran.
Millers have demanded that the deadline be relaxed, arguing that such conditions may limit export opportunities at a time when international demand is strengthening.
Industry sources said the deadline comes at a time when global sugar prices are showing signs of improvement due to the ongoing tensions involving Iran, creating an opportunity for India to expand its export footprint. However, millers argue that the time-bound condition could limit their ability to fully utilise the quota.
There is also growing sentiment within the sector that such restrictions may be influenced by pressure from private sugar lobbies in northern states, though no official confirmation has been made.
The Centre had earlier announced a sugar export quota of 1.5 million tonnes for the 2025–26 season, with a deadline of September 30, 2026. However, due to weak global prices at the time and higher domestic rates, only around 2.5 lakh tonnes were actually exported.
In February 2026, the government allowed an additional 5 lakh tonnes for export, but imposed conditions requiring mills to confirm shipments within 15 days and complete exports by June 30, 2026. Industry representatives say this deadline should have matched the earlier September timeline.
Millers have also raised concerns over other conditions attached to the export policy and have demanded that the deadline restriction be relaxed to help them take advantage of improving global market conditions.
