Sugar Price Hike: Govt Allows 10 Lakh Tonnes Duty-Free Imports, First Such Move in a Decade
In a significant move to stabilize the domestic commodities market, the government announced on Thursday that it will allow the duty-free import of 10 lakh metric tons of raw sugar. This policy shift represents the first time in a decade that the administration has authorized such a measure. The decision is strategically timed to address an anticipated surge in domestic demand during the 2026-27 sugar season, a period that typically sees a sharp rise in consumption due to the festive season.
Duty Free RAW Sugar Imports
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade, or DGFT, formalized this change through an official notification. The agency stated that the government has amended the import policy for raw sugar to facilitate the entry of 10 lakh metric tons under a Tariff Rate Quota, also known as a TRQ. This specific regulatory mechanism allows the designated volume of sugar to be imported without the standard customs duties. According to the DGFT, the window for these duty-free imports will remain open until October 31, 2026.
By initiating this decade-first intervention, the government is taking a proactive stance to ensure price stability for consumers. The festive months often place significant pressure on existing sugar stockpiles as the manufacturing of sweets and confectionery increases. By allowing these imports well in advance of the 2026-27 season, officials are attempting to preempt potential supply shortages and
Source: news18.com · 2026-08-21