According to government data, the all-India average retail sugar price has increased to ₹47.9/Kg on July 17 from ₹47.01/Kg a month ago | Photo Credit: KAMAL NARANG

The All-India Sugar Trade Association (AISTA) on Monday said that reports of sugar shortages in the country were unfounded and asked its members to ensure steady availability of the commodity across the country. This comes even as ex-factory prices have increased by about 15 per cent in less than a month.

In a communication to its members, AISTA cited the joint statement of the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) and the National Federation of Co-operative Sugar Factories (NFCSF) issued last week and said that the country has adequate sugar stocks to meet domestic demand. It also said that sugar millers have agreed to commence the 2026-27 season (October-September) at the earliest, depending on agro-climatic conditions.

“The recent rise in ex-factory sugar prices — about 15 per cent in less than a month — has created an unwarranted impression of a shortage,” AISTA Chairman Praful Vithalani said and requested stakeholders across the sugar value chain - mills, trade houses, wholesalers, distributors and institutional consumers - to take “positive steps” to ensure the sweetener remains readily available nationwide.

Citing the Covid-19 pandemic period when supplies were maintained, he asked members to adopt a similar approach now and advised them to keep the supply pipeline flowing smoothly and avoid practices that could clog it. He also asked members to refrain from panic buying or speculative stocking, comply with government norms, and disregard misleading information or rumours.

In another letter to stakeholders, issued by AISTA’s CEO RP Bhagria, the trade body has said that it is optimistic about sugar availability. Bhagria also said that AISTA expects favourable weather, without excessive rainfall during the early harvest period, to allow cane cutting and crushing to proceed without interruption.

According to government data, the all-India average retail sugar price has increased to ₹47.9/Kg on July 17 from ₹47.01/Kg a month ago, ₹46.48/Kg three months back, ₹46.34/Kg six months ago. In the wholesale market, prices have shot up to ₹4,447.57/quintal from ₹4,294.70/quintal as of July 17 in the past six months.

Published on July 20, 2026