Topic
sugar
Commodities Indian Government Limits Sugar Dealers to 400 Tonnes Stock Until November to Curb Hoarding
The Indian government has ordered sugar dealers to hold a maximum stock of 400 tonnes until November 30, requiring liquidation of excess by August 1. The move aims to curb hoarding and speculative trading amid a recent 15% rise in ex-factory prices. The government also banned sugar exports until September 30, while industry bodies project adequate supply.
Commodities Lower maize acreage and sugar stock uncertainty shift focus to rice for ethanol in India
With maize acreage in top five producing states falling over 13% and sugar stocks expected very low at season end, India's ethanol blending programme is likely to depend more on rice. The government's target of 20% ethanol blending requires about 1,100 crore litres, and reduced broken-rice share in official stocks could boost feedstock availability. Fresh kharif arrivals are expected to strengthen supply.
Manufacturing British Sugar Proposes Closure of Cantley Factory on Norfolk Broads, Putting Over 100 Jobs at Risk
British Sugar has announced plans to close its Cantley sugar factory in Norfolk, potentially affecting over 100 employees. The facility, which produces 130,000 tonnes of sugar annually and underwent an £11m upgrade last year, could shut by February 2027. The company cites low European sugar prices, high energy costs, and declining demand.
Sugar Trade Body AISTA Dismisses Shortage Concerns Amid 15% Price Surge in Less Than a Month
The All-India Sugar Trade Association (AISTA) dismissed reports of sugar shortages in India, attributing a 15% rise in ex-factory prices over the past month to unwarranted panic. The trade body cited adequate stocks as confirmed by ISMA and NFCSF, urged members to maintain supply pipelines, and noted expectations of favourable weather for the upcoming 2026-27 season.
Commodities India's Sugar Mills Prepare for 2026-27 Crushing Season with FRP Hike and Ethanol Strategy Shift
India's sugar industry is preparing for the 2026-27 crushing season with the FRP set at ₹365/quintal, a 2.81% increase. Mills face a strategic shift as ethanol blending surpasses 20%, with grain-based sources now dominating 70% of supply. The article highlights the need for feedstock flexibility, treasury planning, and maintenance readiness to navigate the season.
Commodities Sugar Price Surge Unjustified as Stocks Comfortable, Say ISMA and NFCSF After Government Meeting
India's two main sugar bodies, ISMA and NFCSF, have declared the recent surge in domestic sugar prices to ₹44-45 per kg as unjustified, citing comfortable stock levels and ample availability. After meeting with the government, the industry agreed to start crushing earlier in the upcoming 2026-27 season to further boost supplies and curb speculation.
Commodities ISMA defends E20 fuel, cites scientific evidence; remains silent on mileage drop claims
The Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has dismissed public concern over E20 ethanol blended petrol, stating that the conversation should be based on scientific evidence and official clarifications. While automakers claim mileage drop is marginal (3-3.5%), social media users report a 20-30% reduction. The government and industry bodies defend the fuel, citing emissions cuts and foreign exchange savings of over Rs 1.4 lakh crore.
Commodities Sugar Industry Renews Push for Dedicated E100 Fuel Pumps Amid Ethanol Glut
The Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has renewed its demand for the government to allow ethanol distilleries to set up dedicated E100 fuel dispensing stations. The proposal, first made in February 2023, aims to scale up flex-fuel mobility and ease financial stress from excess ethanol capacity. The government has yet to decide, amid concerns over E20 blending programme efficiency.
Commodities Government Maintains Sugar Allocation for July at Year-Ago Level as Prices Rise
The Indian government has maintained July's sugar allocation at 22 lakh tonnes, the same as last year, despite rising retail prices. Cumulative quotas for the 2025-26 season are 3% lower than last season. The export ban remains in place until September 30, with no exports likely in the next season.
Logistics ILWU Strike at C&H Sugar in California Disrupts Sugar Supply Chain for First Time in Decades
Approximately 90-100 ILWU warehouse workers struck at C&H Sugar in Crockett, California, over healthcare, retiree benefits, sick leave, and overtime rules. The plant, served by Union Pacific rail and generating 25,000 truckloads annually, faces the first strike of its kind in decades, potentially disrupting sugar supply across the Bay Area and beyond.
Commodities India likely won't export sugar for years as El Nino, ethanol squeeze supply
India, once the world's second-largest sugar exporter, is expected to have little surplus for export for at least three more seasons as El Nino weather conditions threaten cane production and rising ethanol demand squeezes supply. The twin pressures are poised to keep millions of tons of sugar off the world market, tightening supplies for importers across Asia, Africa and West Asia and supporting benchmark prices in London and New York.