India bans sugar exports till Sept 30, tightening input cost outlook for F&B retail

DGFT halts raw, white and refined sugar exports citing inflation and West Asia crisis risks. With closing stocks projected at 45 lakh tonnes — the lowest since 2016-17 — packaged food, confectionery and beverage brands face a tighter sweetener cost curve into the festive quarter.

— Filed Fri, 15 May, 2026, 07:05 IST · Source Indian Express · Business · Updated

DGFT bans raw, white and refined sugar exports until September 30 citing inflation and West Asia crisis-linked supply risks, with limited carve-outs. Closing stocks projected at 45 lakh tonnes, the lowest since 2016-17, raising input-cost flags for F&B retail.

Why this matters

DGFT extends its sugar export curbs amid the lowest closing stocks in eight years, directly pressuring input cost lines for F&B and confectionery brands ahead of festive demand.

Retail-company signals steady at 177 over the last 90 days.