India has announced a ban on sugar exports effective immediately, lasting until September 30, 2026, to address domestic supply concerns and inflation. This ban, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, applies to raw, white, and refined sugar, marking a shift from a 'restricted' to a 'prohibited' status. Shipments already in transit may proceed under specific conditions, such as if loading began prior to the notification's publication. The ban is a precautionary measure as India anticipates a sugar production of around 275 lakh tonnes for the 2025-26 marketing year, down from earlier projections. Concerns over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and potential El Niño weather patterns have raised fears of supply disruptions. Following the announcement, international sugar prices surged, with raw sugar futures in New York climbing over 2% and white sugar prices in London increasing by 3%. This ban is expected to tighten global sugar supplies, particularly affecting importing countries in Asia and Africa, while allowing rival producers like Brazil and Thailand to capture market share.