India has officially banned sugar exports until September 30, 2026, to stabilize domestic prices amid tightening supplies. The government has moved sugar from a restricted to a prohibited export category, affecting raw, white, and refined sugar. Previously, exports required a license, but the ban allows certain exceptions, including consignments already in transit and exports under specific quotas. As of Thursday, the average retail price of sugar rose to ₹46.68 per kg, up from ₹45.82 a year ago. This ban comes as domestic sugar production is forecasted to be around 28 million metric tonnes for the 2025-26 season, lower than earlier expectations due to adverse weather and reduced yields in major sugar-producing states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. The government aims to build a buffer stock amid ongoing supply challenges, with closing sugar stock levels expected to be around 4.3 million metric tonnes by September 2026, indicating lower inventory compared to previous years.