Two of India’s main sugar bodies, the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) and the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd. (NFCSF), on Friday said that the current surge in sugar prices is unjustified as the commodity’s availability is comfortable. It has ample stocks to meet domestic consumption demand.

Sugar prices have surged to ₹44-45 a kg in the wholesale market, leading to a meeting with the government. In a statement, rhe associations said after discussions with the Government, they would assure all stakeholders on the comfortable supply and availability.

“There is no justification for panic buying or speculative trading in the domestic sugar market,” the statement said.

During consultation with the Centre, the sugar industry agreed to commence the 2026–27 sugar season (starting in October) crushing at the earliest possible date, based on prevailing agro-climatic conditions.

“This proactive decision reflects the industry’s commitment to ensuring orderly market supplies and maintaining adequate sugar availability across the country. An early start to crushing will bring fresh sugar into the market sooner, further strengthening domestic supplies, enhancing market confidence, and dispelling any unwarranted concerns regarding sugar availability,” the associations said.

Referring to the surge in prices, they said the recent price is not supported by the underlying demand-supply fundamentals. “Creating an impression of scarcity when sufficient stocks are available can lead to unnecessary market volatility, disrupt normal trade, and adversely affect consumers as well as downstream industries,” the said.

ISMA and NFCSF appealed to all stakeholders—including traders, wholesalers, institutional buyers, retailers and market participants—to refrain from speculative buying, hoarding, or spreading misleading information regarding sugar availability. Such actions only create artificial uncertainty and are against the larger interest of consumers, farmers, and the industry, they said.

Stating that the industry remains fully committed to ensuring continuous and adequate supplies of sugar, timely availability across all regions, and maintaining market stability, they said the industry will continue to work closely with the Government. This will ensure that sugar remains available to consumers at reasonable prices while safeguarding the interests of sugarcane farmers and sugar mills.

They urged the stakeholders to support responsible trading practices and rely on verified information. “A stable and transparent market is in the collective interest of consumers, farmers, traders, and the sugar industry alike,” the associations said.

Published on July 17, 2026