News Capsule: Most mills have shut crushing operations
22-Apr-2026 09:47 AM
News Capsule: Most mills have shut crushing operations
★ The sugar crushing season in Maharashtra is nearly over. According to the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA), sugar production in the state reached around 9.9 million tonnes by mid-April, up 22% compared to last year. Mills in Maharashtra and Karnataka have already closed for the main season, while operations in Uttar Pradesh are also expected to end by next week.
★ For the full 2025–26 season, ISMA has estimated total sugar production at 28.5 million tonnes, higher than last year’s 26.1 million tonnes. As of April 15, total production in the country has reached about 27.5 million tonnes, marking an 8% year-on-year increase.
★ A significant quantity of sugar has also been diverted for ethanol production this season. By the end of March, around 2.2 million tonnes (sugar equivalent) had already been used for ethanol, and total diversion is expected to reach 3.4 million tonnes for the season.
★ The market is now eagerly awaiting the government’s sugar sales quota for May. Typically, sugar demand peaks during May due to rising temperatures and strong summer consumption.
★ Overall, market direction will largely depend on the government’s May quota decision, as it will determine supply levels and influence price movements in the coming weeks.