India bans sugar exports until September 2026 to control local prices

Exam-focused facts from the 15 May 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

The Government of India banned the export of raw and white sugar with immediate effect until 30 September 2026, or until further orders.
The ban was implemented to rein in local sugar prices.
India is the world's second-largest sugar producer and the largest sugar exporter after Brazil.
Sugar production is expected to lag consumption for a second consecutive year due to weakening cane yields in major growing regions.
Forecasts of El Nino weather conditions could disrupt the monsoon, increasing the risk that next season's output falls below initial estimates.